Research on Educational Sport

Presenting a Physical Activity-Friendly University Model in Iraq

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mohammed Hawat Hussein Al-Jamali 1
Amin khatibi 2
seyed hosein Marashian 2
tahereh azmsha 3
mehdi seyfoorian 3

1 . Ph. D Student of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22089/res.2025.17706.2613
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
This study aimed to develop a model for a physical activity-friendly university in Iraq. Physical activity encompasses all bodily muscular movements requiring energy expenditure and is well-established as beneficial for health. Its benefits include obesity reduction, decreased risk of certain cancers, alleviation of pain, improved mental health symptoms, prevention of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and enhanced academic performance. Universities represent a strategic environment for promoting physical activity, as physical activity behaviors established during youth are likely to persist into adulthood. Given the increasing inactivity among youth, fostering physical activity within university settings is critical, making the creation of physical activity-friendly universities especially important.
 
Materials and Methods
Employing a qualitative grounded theory approach (Strauss and Corbin), this research began with the analysis of 16 scholarly articles related to the topic. Subsequently, 17 expert participants were purposively selected based on saturation, expertise, experience, and willingness to participate. Inclusion criteria required at least five years of relevant professional or research experience. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, conducted between July and September 2024, lasting 45 to 60 minutes each. All participants provided informed consent, and interviews were recorded with permission. Simultaneously with participant selection, analysis began using open coding per Strauss and Corbin’s methodology. Constant comparison of codes led to their categorization, and categories were merged or separated to construct a conceptual framework. Data saturation was reached after 17 interviews, as no new substantial data emerged.
 
Findings
Analysis identified multiple concepts organized into key causal, intervening, contextual, strategic, and outcome-related conditions:
Causal conditions comprised 40 concepts divided into intrapersonal factors—psychological and physical—and extrapersonal factors including socio-environmental, economic, and cultural dimensions. Intervening conditions included 52 concepts categorized as attitudes and beliefs (personal preferences and internal motivators), constraints (economic/financial and organizational barriers), and facilitators (external stimuli and incentives).
Contextual conditions entailed 47 concepts addressing attractions (supportive family/friends environment and suitable sports facilities), organizational factors (weaknesses and strengths), and effective actions (management and research/education).
Strategies consisted of 75 concepts classified as organizational actions (law reform, managerial strengthening, strategic planning), motivators (specialized personnel and facility maintenance), and strengthening approaches (monitoring/evaluation, cultural and media involvement).
Outcomes included 52 concepts highlighting physiological outcomes (fitness and physical health), social excellence (social growth, development, and career progress), and personal growth (psychological improvement and life purposefulness).
 
Conclusion
Creating a physical activity-friendly university fosters not only physical well-being but also social development. It promotes social health, nurtures positive interpersonal relationships, and embeds physical activity as a valued social duty, enhancing vitality and efficiency across both organizational and societal levels. Benefits include reduced social harms, optimized leisure time usage, increased student engagement, prevention of non-communicable diseases, amplification of physical activity’s latent advantages through promotion, improved career productivity, job satisfaction, organizational loyalty, and stronger bonds among student athletes—culminating in comprehensive social excellence.
Keywords: Friendly Environment for Physical Activity, University Sport, Active University, Sport Activities
 
Article Message
The entire university community—not solely athletic departments—should actively cultivate positive habits such as physical activity. Establishing physical activity-friendly campus environments represents a key strategy to achieve this goal.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors contributed equally and substantively to the conceptualization, research design, data acquisition, analysis, and manuscript preparation. All have reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
This research received no funding. The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this publication.
Acknowledgement
The authors sincerely thank all participants for their invaluable cooperation.


Keywords

friendly environment for physical activity
University Sport
Active University
Sport Activities

Main Subjects

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Research on Educational Sport
Volume 13, Issue 38
August 2025
Pages 113-139

  • Receive Date 30 January 2025
  • Revise Date 25 April 2025
  • Accept Date 06 May 2025

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