Physical Activity Insufficiency and Perceived Barriers among Libyan Adults during Ramadan: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining health. During Ramadan, fasting and daily routine changes may influence physical activity engagement. This study describes physical activity levels and perceived barriers to physical activity during Ramadan among Libyan adults. It also examines the contribution of perceived barriers to insufficient physical activity, after adjusting for selected sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.  A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tripoli, Libya, using a self-reported structured questionnaire developed as a part of a broader study on health-related behaviors during Ramadan. For this paper, physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data analyzed using SPSS. A total of 113 responses were included in this analysis. The median age of the respondents was 28.00 years (IQR: 23.00- 36.00), and 60.2% were females. More than half of the respondents (56.1%) had insufficient physical activity during Ramadan. Median vigorous and moderate intensity activity were both 0 MET-min/week (IQR:0-240 and 0-480, respectively), while walking was the main contributor to total activity (Median=297 MET-min/week, IQR: 0-693). The most commonly reported barriers to physical activity were time constraints due to family and work commitments (68.2%), and fatigue during Ramadan daytime (64.5%). None of the studied variables showed a statistically significant contribution to insufficient physical activity. In conclusion, insufficient physical activity was considerable among Libyan adults during Ramadan, which may have adverse impacts on their health. Targeted interventions to promote physical activity during Ramadan are needed. Further research is recommended to identify the predictors of insufficient physical activity during this month.