Co-creating strategies and recommendations to enhance the physical activities of undergraduate students at a South African University: a social ecological approach

Abstract

Engagement in physical activity (PA) has been considered to be influenced by multiple psychosocial factors (such as mental health, motivation and social support). However, current interventions often neglect these complex interactions. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) highlights the need for context-specific strategies addressing individual, social, environmental, and public engagement domains to enhance student PA. Therefore, this study aimed to develop strategies and recommendations to enhance the PA levels of undergraduate university students by using a SEM Approach. A co-creative consensus workshop, held between July and August 2024, was employed. The stakeholder group (n = 25) comprised undergraduate university students, professors and academic doctors specialising in PA and health-related disciplines. Data generated from the workshop were uploaded into Atlas Ti. V8 and thematically analysed. The co-created strategies underscore the importance of a multi-level approach to enhancing PA participation among undergraduate students. A total of 32 strategies were developed, reflecting the interconnected influence of psychosocial factors across the levels of the SEM. These include strategies related to PA (9), mental health (7), motivation (9), and social support (7). By developing context-specific strategies and recommendations that address individual, social, physical, and public engagement levels, the research offers practical, student-centred solutions to enhance PA participation. The co-created strategies hold the potential to foster long-term behavioural change and promote active, healthier lifestyles within the South African university context.