A Study to Examine the Attitudes and Perceptions of Saudi Women in the United States and Canada Toward Exercise and Physical Activity

This study is an examination of the knowledge and perceptions of Saudi women in the United States and Canada in regard to exercise and physical activity. No studies on exercise, physical activity or sport for women in Saudi Arabia were found in the literature. This study focused on ascertaining knowledge of Saudi women regarding physical and psychological benefits of exercise and physical activity. Furthermore, this study investigated the barriers that limit Saudi women from participating in exercise and physical activity. The population for this study included Saudi women who are associated with Saudi clubs and student organizations in the United States and Canada. A survey instrument was developed and distributed by mail to the fifteen Saudi clubs listed in the address book provided by the Cultural Mission of Saudi Arabia. All Saudi women members of these clubs were asked to participate in this study. A MANOVA was run to determine if there were significant differences among Saudi women's attitudes and perceptions toward exercise and physical activity based on various demographic variables. Analysis of barriers to participation involved tabulating and calculating frequencies. The results of this study showed that there were no significant differences between the independent variables (i.e. age, marital status, number of children, level of education, occupation, years in the United States or Canada, and level of participation), and the dependent variables (i.e. the importance of exercise for them and their interest in participation and their knowledge about the benefits of exercise and physical activity). Implications of the results are discussed and recommendations for future research are suggested.