Participation Constraints of University Student-Athletes in Selected Sports in Kenya
Loading...
Date
2022
Authors
Ndirangu, Daniel Kiongo
Rintaugu, Elijah Gitonga
Muthomi, Nkatha
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development
Abstract
Participation in sports plays an important role in university students’ lives, such as the development of a healthy lifestyle and the
promotion of education. However, there is low participation in sports in universities which may be due to various constraints
experienced or perceived by university students. The purpose of this study was to examine constraints hindering university
student-athletes participation in sports activities. The study used a cross-sectional survey design and questionnaires to collect
data. Respondents were male (n=198) and female (n=191) student-athletes from public and private universities in Kenya,
participating in six selected sports. T-tests and One-way analysis of variance were used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 level of
significance. The findings indicated that participation in sports was most affected by structural constraints and least affected by
social-cultural constraints. There were significant differences between male and female student-athletes in regard to structural
constraints, (t = -2.21, p=0.03) and interpersonal constraints t = 1.14, p = 0.02). There was a significant difference of private and
public institutions with regard to structural (t = .39, p=0.01) and intrapersonal constraints (t = 0.69, p=0.03). Female students
significantly experienced more constraints than male student-athletes. Student-athletes from public universities experienced
more constraints than those from private universities. Universities should encourage students to use sports facilities by coming
up with more facilities and a favorable environment. Secondly, Kenyan universities should put in place structured sports programs
for student-athletes. University students’ perceptions about sports should be enhanced in order to reduce the constraints that hinder their
participation in sports. A longitudinal study is recommended to investigate sports participation constraints of student-athletes
throughout their campus life and thereafter.
Description
Article
Keywords
Inter-personal, Participation, Contraints, Structural, Socio-Cultural, Intrapersonal, Student-athletes
Citation
Ndirangu, D., Rintaugu, E., & Muthomi, H. (2022). Participation Constraints of University Student-athletes in Selected Sports in Kenya. Journal of Sports and Physical Education Studies, 2(2), 13-24.