ATTITUDE TOWARDS PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AMONG FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENTS AND THEIR FATHERS

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a critical determinant of physical and psychological well-being, yet cultural and gender-specific factors often shape attitudes toward participation. Limited evidence exists regarding intergenerational perspectives on physical activities in Pakistan, particularly among young women and their fathers.

Objective: This study aimed to examine and compare attitudes toward physical activities among female college students and their fathers in Peshawar.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 participants, including 100 female college students (aged 16–22 years) and 100 of their fathers. Participants were recruited from various colleges and universities in Peshawar through simple random sampling. Attitudes toward physical activities were assessed using the validated Attitude towards Physical Activity Scale (APAS), comprising 32 items on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and correlation analyses were performed to compare group differences and intergenerational associations.

Results: Fathers demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes toward PA (M = 76.86, SD = 16.42) compared to daughters (M = 67.47, SD = 10.41), t (198) = 46.81, p < .001, with a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.68). Reliability analysis indicated strong internal consistency for fathers (Cronbach’s α = .890) and acceptable reliability for daughters (α = .721). Correlation analysis revealed a very weak, negative, and non-significant relationship between fathers’ and daughters’ attitudes (r = –.033, p = .746).

Conclusion: The study indicated a notable age disparity, with dads exhibiting more favorable views towards physical exercise than their daughters. These findings indicate the necessity for culturally attuned treatments to tackle gender-specific obstacles and promote increased engagement of young women in physical exercise. Targeted interventions that address gender stereotypes, institutional possibilities, and safe pathways for involvement are necessary to encourage active lifestyles among female students in Peshawar.