PERCEIVED BARRIERS

Background: Menopause marks a significant transition in women’s lives, often accompanied by physiological, psychological, and social challenges that impact quality of life. Postmenopausal women often struggle to meet recommended physical activity levels due to barriers such as lack of motivation, time constraints, and inadequate facilities. Conversely, facilitators such as social support and health awareness can encourage participation. This study explores the perceived barriers and facilitators of physical activity among postmenopausal women within an academic environment. Aim: This study aims to investigate the perceived barriers and facilitators influencing physical activity participation among postmenopausal women at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Method: This cross-sectional study investigated the perceived barriers and facilitators of physical activity among postmenopausal women at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Fifty participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire (PABQ), and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Among the respondents, 44% demonstrated high physical activity levels, 38% moderate, and 18% low. The mean self-efficacy, barriers, quality of life, and metabolic equivalent scores were 44.02±9.20, 88.28±18.09, 90.34±7.44, and 2961.93±3730.76, respectively. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed no significant relationships between barriers and physical activity levels (p=0.539) or self-efficacy and activity levels (p=0.105). Additionally, a positive but non- significant relationship was observed between physical activity levels and quality of life (p=0.080). Conclusion: The study concluded that perceived barriers and facilitators had non-significant relationships with physical activity levels and quality of life among postmenopausal women in the University of Benin. While demographic factors such as education and marital status likely mediate these associations, the findings emphasize the complexity of physical activity behaviors in this population. There is a need to address individual and contextual factors to better
understand and promote physical activity