Factors that influence Female Students’ Participation in University Sports Activities: A Case Study of Makerere University

Abstract

Most of the Universities not only offer academic services but also provide sports opportunities to their students. This research was aimed at finding the factors that influence female students’ participation in university sports activities. A questionnaire that consisted of open and closed ended questions was used to collect data from 118 Makerere University female students. Using data obtained from the study, analysis was done on univariate, bivariate and multivariate level using STATA. Frequencies, percentages, mean, median, and mode, chi-square, simple logistic regression and binary logistic regression results were obtained. As a result of this analysis, it was found out that access to sports facilities affects female students’ participation in sports activities. Female students who do not access sports facilities were less likely (odd ratio=0.7213117) to participate in sports activities than their counter parts that access them. Furthermore it was observed that female students who do not have knowledge and talents in line with sports were less likely (odd ratio=0.2620321) to participate in sports compared to their fellow students who have such qualities. The study revealed that 40.13 percent of the female students had talent and knowledge in line with sports and participate in university sports activities. It was also found out that 39.30 percent of the female students access sports facilities and participate in university sports activities, In accordance to the results from the study, it is important to ensure that universities adjust their plans so as to increase access to sports facilities and engage talented female students. Increasing the number of sports facilities like swimming pools, sports fields, balls, vehicles to transport students so as increase their access which will result into an increase in participation of female students in university sports activities. Universities should adopt the idea of increasing students’ knowledge about sports activities through using media to announce about ongoing activities and their health benefits. This will increase female students’ knowledge about the sports activities and hence encourage them to participate in such activities. Universities are therefore recommended to conduct a comprehensive review for the process of planning and organising sports activities programs. This will ensure access to facilities by female students during weekends and holiday.