Engagement and Challenges in Physical Activity of Overweight Maritime Students

Physical activity is essential to the health, wellness, and professional readiness of maritime students, particularly among those classified as overweight. This study determined the engagement and challenges in physical activity among 182 overweight maritime students in one maritime school in Negros Occidental during Academic Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it described students’ engagement and perceived challenges when grouped according to year level and program, tested for significant differences, and examined the relationship between engagement and challenges. Using a descriptive-comparative-correlational research design, data were gathered through a validated and reliable researcher-made questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis H test with Dunn’s post hoc comparisons, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA, and Spearman rho correlation were used to analyze the data. Findings showed that overweight maritime students generally demonstrated a great extent of engagement in physical activity and a moderate extent of challenges. Engagement differed significantly according to year level, with post hoc results indicating a significant difference between 2nd Year and 3rd Year students. However, engagement did not differ significantly according to program. Challenges did not differ significantly according to either year level or program. Spearman rho analysis revealed a weak but statistically significant positive relationship between engagement and challenges, suggesting that students who were more engaged also tended to report greater awareness or experience of barriers. The study concludes that physical activity engagement among overweight maritime students is generally favorable, but moderate barriers remain and should be addressed through inclusive, supportive, and structured wellness interventions. The proposed MOVE Maritime Wellness Program is recommended to sustain engagement, reduce barriers, and promote healthier lifestyle practices among overweight maritime students.