HOW DO UNIVERSITY’S POLICIES FACILITATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORTS FOR THEIR STUDENTS?: LESSON LEARNED FROM UNIVERSITAS NEGERI MALANG

Abstract

University life is a critical period regarding unhealthy behavior changes among students, such as decreasing physical activity and possibly increasing a risk of non-communicable diseases.  This study sought to describe policies related to physical activity and sport in Universitas Negeri Malang to support the successful implementation of health promoting university.  This was a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews among ten purposely selected participants.  Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded manually.  Inductively thematic analysis was used for data analysis.  The findings of this study led to the identification of three categories of policies.  Policies related to administrative support and leadership commitment through creating a task force and developing a plan of action for physical activity and sports in the university environment.  Policies in the provision of facilities to ensure the availability of adequate places and equipment for physical activity and sports.  Policies for implementing physical activity and sports that offer more activities for students to increase opportunities for exercise.  These results can inform the role of university policies in strengthening physical activity and sports among students.  The findings from this study can provide the most up-to-date evidence for the university’s contribution to preventing non-communicable diseases in the youth generation.  Future research could explore monitoring and evaluation of physical activity and sports among university students.