Impact of physical activity and morning devotion on the well-being of female teacher trainees at Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Ghana

Abstract

This study explores the influence of physical activity and morning devotion on the well-being of female teacher trainees at Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Ghana. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Spiritual Well-being Framework, the research employs a quantitative cross-sectional design to assess the behavioural patterns and perceived effects of these two practices on student well-being. A total of 218 Level 100 students were randomly selected to complete standardized instruments, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), a researcher developed Morning Devotion Frequency Scale, and the WHO-5 Well-being Index. Results revealed low engagement in physical activity, with most students reporting minimal or no participation despite recognizing its potential benefits. In contrast, morning devotion was more consistently practiced, particularly in group settings, though it’s perceived impact on emotional and spiritual well-being varied. Most participants rated their overall well-being as moderate, citing academic workload as a key barrier to maintaining both physical and spiritual self-care practices. The study concludes that while spiritual routines are more commonly upheld, neither practice is being fully optimized to support holistic well-being. The findings call for institutional strategies to better integrate wellness initiatives into the academic environment.