Differences in United States college student physical activity and exercise self-efficacy based on gender and race/ethnicity

• Published in: Journal of American college health 2024-08, Vol.72 (6), p.1678-1683
• Main Authors: Elliott, Lucas D, Tran, Brandon, Dzieniszewski, Emily, Duffey, Michelle, Wilson, Oliver W A, Bopp, Melissa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; College students; Ethnicity; Ethnicity - psychology; Ethnicity - statistics & numerical data; Exercise; Exercise - psychology; Female; Gender; Health promotion; Humans; Male; Physical activity; Race; Racial Groups - psychology; Racial Groups - statistics & numerical data; Self Efficacy; Sex Factors; Students - psychology; Students - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Universities - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0744-8481; 1940-3208; 1940-3208
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2093117

Disparities in physical activity (PA) and PA antecedents, such as exercise self-efficacy, based on the intersection of gender and race/ethnicity among college students are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine differences in PA and exercise self-efficacy based on the intersection of gender and race/ethnicity. An online survey collected data on demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity), PA, and exercise self-efficacy from students (  = 5341) enrolled in general health and wellness at a large Northeastern U.S. University. Differences in PA and exercise self-efficacy based on gender and race/ethnicity were examined using two-way ANOVAs. Analyses revealed significant differences in overall PA and exercise self-efficacy based on gender and race/ethnicity. A significant interaction between gender and race/ethnicity was found in relation to PA, but not exercise self-efficacy. Findings demonstrate the need for universities to tailor PA promotion efforts, and to consider how gender and race/ethnicity may intersect to influence PA participation.