Understanding the Association of Self-Efficacy, Mood, and Demographics with Physical Activity in Syrian and Iraqi Refugees: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

Rula A Amr; Ahmed M Al-Smadi; Rula A Deiranieh; Romel A Amr; Amal H Mayyas; Rand T Akasheh

doi:10.1155/2023/8876254

Understanding the Association of Self-Efficacy, Mood, and Demographics with Physical Activity in Syrian and Iraqi Refugees: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

ScientificWorldJournal. 2023 Sep 19:2023:8876254. doi: 10.1155/2023/8876254. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Rula A Amr¹, Ahmed M Al-Smadi², Rula A Deiranieh³, Romel A Amr⁴, Amal H Mayyas⁵, Rand T Akasheh^{1

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Affiliations

¹ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, American University of Madaba, Madaba, Jordan.
² Department of Adult Health Nursing, Al Al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan.
³ Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan.
⁴ Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic, St George's University Hospital, London, UK.
⁵ Department of Pharmacy, American University of Madaba, Madaba, Jordan.
⁶ Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the influence of sociodemographic factors on physical activity among Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Jordan. In addition, it sought to determine the predictive ability of self-efficacy and mood in relation to the level of physical activity in this population.

Methods: A convenient sample of refugees residing in Jordanian cities was collected. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire pack consisting of a demographic data sheet, a physical activity level questionnaire, the Brunel Mood Scale, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze demographic details, while the chi-square test examined the association between physical activity and demographic factors. The independent t-test assessed differences in self-efficacy and mood subscales in relation to physical activity. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify potential predictors of the two categories of physical activity.

Results: Most participants reported low levels of physical activity. The frequency of moderate-to-high physical activity was higher in male participants, those with higher education, better health, and higher income. Compared to participants of low physical activity, those in the moderate-to-high physical activity category expressed significantly higher mean score of self-efficacy but lower mean scores of tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion, indicating better mood. The logistic regression analysis for physical activity indicated that the model was significant for education, income, good health perception, self-efficacy, and one mood subscale (vigor), with these variables collectively accounting for 11-18% of the variance (P value <0.001).

Conclusion: The higher physical activity level is significantly associated with being male, higher education, higher income, better health, higher self-efficacy, and increased vigor. These findings highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic factors and psychological aspects, such as self-efficacy and mood, when addressing physical activity among refugees in Jordan.