Enhancing Awareness of Physical Activity Guidelines among Saudi College Students: The 150 Minutes Program

Abstract

Objective. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the “150 Minutes Program” in increasing awareness and fostering positive behavior changes regarding recommended physical activity guidelines among Saudi college students. Initiated as part of the national “Sports for All Challenge,” this program targets college students to improve their understanding of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines. Methods. Engaging over 250 Saudi college students from 17 student groups across the United States, the program employs two intervention strategies: a general awareness campaign and the application of physical activity guidelines tailored to the Saudi student community. The study assesses the program’s impact through pre-/post-surveys, evaluating changes in participants’ awareness levels and physical activity behaviors. Results. A total of 110 participants completed either the presurvey (n = 35) or postsurvey (n = 75). Results indicate a significant rise in participants’ awareness of recommended physical activity guidelines, increasing from an initial 4% to 22.9%. Postprogram surveys reveal positive shifts in physical activity behaviors, with 51.4% of participants meeting adult physical activity guidelines, compared to 40% before the program. The average physical activity levels also demonstrated an increase. Conclusion. The 150 Minutes Program proves effective not only in enhancing awareness but also in instigating positive physical activity behavior changes among Saudi college students. The study contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of physical activity interventions within college populations, emphasizing the need for targeted programs, and collaborations with student organizations to ensure sustained impact and scalability.