EFFECTS OF A THREE-WEEK PEER-LED PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON SELF-EFFICACY AND SUSTAINED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES UNDERGRADUATE FRESHERS

Abstract

A significant relative contribution towards students’ self-efficacy and involvement in sustained Physical Exercise is needed to upturn the downward trend of physical activity among adolescents in many Western and developing countries, including Nigeria. The study aimed to assess the effects of peer-led Physical Exercise (PE) on self-efficacy and sustained physical activity among a University Undergraduate. A quasi-experimental research design made up of one experimental group (peer-led) and one control group was employed. All-inclusive random sampling was used to carry out this intervention (n=600) while data was collected using Forum Focus Group Discussion (FFGD) and (pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The FFGD were analyzed into its thematic headings and the data collected from the survey questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS version 21 to facilitate data entry and analysis. ANOVA and multiple regressions were used in testing hypotheses. The result showed that the highest number 218 (36.3%) of participants were from the aged group 17 followed by many 147(24.5%) who were 16 years old. Females 379(65.2%) were more than the male 221(36.8%) respondents. The self-efficacy result at pre-test showed that those who cannot do PE at all were 349 (58.2%) while there was a slight rise in the number 308(51.3%) of those who participated because Peer Leader said they could. There was no significant relationship (P> 0.05) between guilt and feeling of not doing right which had a negative pre disposing factor to self-efficacy. The study showed that there was a statistical significant relationship between peer support and self-efficacy and sustained PE (p<0.05). The predictor variable, peer support, (β= 0.268, t(600) = -6.523; p < 0.05 ) was found to have significant relative contribution towards students’ self-efficacy and involvement in sustained PE. It was recommended that there is need to design appropriate policy framework for implementing effective peer led physical exercise in tertiary institutions