Perceived physical activity barriers in university students: associations with fatigue and eating behaviours

Physical inactivity is prevalent among university students, and psychosocial factors shape participation patterns. This study examined the concurrent and independent associations between fatigue, appetite-related eating behaviours, and perceived barriers to physical activity. A total of 666 students aged 18-24 participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using the Chalder Fatigue Scale, the University Students' Eating Behaviour Scale, and the Barriers to Physical Activity Participation Scale. Analyses included Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression, and bootstrapped indirect association analyses. Fatigue was positively associated with perceived barriers (r = .336, p < .01). Both physical and mental fatigue were positively associated with personal and social barriers (β = 0.136-0.227), while mental fatigue was associated with environmental barriers (β = 0.195). Eating behaviours, particularly satiety responsiveness (β = 0.142-0.235) and hunger (β = 0.110-0.157), showed independent positive associations with barrier domains; slowness in eating was associated only with personal barriers (β = 0.087). Bootstrapped analyses indicated small but statistically significant indirect association patterns. Fatigue and appetite-related eating behaviours are modest but consistent correlates of perceived physical activity barriers. These findings should be interpreted as cross-sectional associations rather than causal or directional mechanisms.