International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue IX, September 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Antony Nbita Simiyu1, Janet K. Wanjira2, Michael D. Otieno2
1University of Nairobi, Kenya
2Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract: This study purposed to explore the social factors influencing undergraduate students’ attitudes towards studying physical education at the University of Nairobi. The study used cross-sectional survey design. A total of 273 students were profiled. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Both qualitative and quantitative data were generated by the study. The data was coded and entered into computer for analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. From the study, 32.7% of the students indicated that their parents’ career did influence their career choice. Majority, 51.7% of the respondents agreed to have been influenced by family members’ advice to pursue their careers. However, 37.5% of the students demonstrated that they were advised by their friends to choose the career they were pursuing while 44.1% were influenced by their teachers. About 64.5% agreed that they chose the career because it was prestigious while 14.7% agreed that they were influenced by their religious beliefs when it came to the choice of their career. The study recommended provision of quality equipment and resources in the university to improve the attitude of students towards studying PE, the ministry to organize seminars and workshops to create awareness on the importance of PE, further research to be done on the attitude of parents towards PE and the influence of socioeconomic background towards students’ attitude in studying physical education and sports.
Keywords: Physical Education, University, Career subject, Influence, Undergraduate Students.
I. INTRODUCTION
One of the major aims of physical education (PE) programs in institutions of learning is to promote lifelong physical activity (PA) and to provide learners with a chance to develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge needed to lead active healthy lifestyles (Lauren et al., 2010). One of the ways for students to participate in and have positive attitude towards physical activities is by enrolling in Physical Education classes. A research by Tom, Benedicte and Peter (2015), showed that when students transition from secondary school to university, they develop sedentary lifestyles and become physically inactive. Further, the research by Tom, Benedicte and Peter (2015) showed that on average university students spent eight hours daily on sedentary activities such as studying, watching television, gaming, computer activities, sitting and talking, shopping and hanging out with friends.