Physical activities toward health and fitness and gender factors: an analysis of students’ physical activity and attitudes toward Physical Education

With lifestyle changes brought by modern advancements, understanding students' physical activity and attitudes toward Physical Education is vital for promoting lifelong health and well-being. Thus, this study investigated the levels of physical activity and attitudes toward Physical Education among 880 Physical Activities Toward Health and Fitness students in the first semester of AY 2024-2025 across gender groups and Physical Activities Toward Health and Fitness course offerings, using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. The validated researcher-made questionnaire, patterned after the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Ishee and Smith's attitudinal instrument, was used to gather the quantitative data. On the other hand, qualitative data were collected through a focus group discussion. The study's results revealed a high level of physical activity and positive attitudes toward Physical Education across all gender groups and course offerings, with males having a slightly higher mean score than females. The results also revealed a significant relationship between physical activity and attitude across all dimensions (p < .001). Significant differences were observed between male and female students in both physical activity and attitudes toward Physical Education across all Physical Activities Toward Health and Fitness courses. Qualitative findings highlighted themes of lifestyle movement, social influences, gendered preferences, barriers, and the value of the Physical Activities Toward Health and Fitness courses. The findings emphasize the necessity of inclusive, diverse, and student-centered physical education curricula.