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

Abstract

Objective

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.

Methods

An online survey collected data on demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity), PA, and exercise self-efficacy from students (n = 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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

Keywords:

• college students
• gender
• health disparities
• intersectionality
• physical activity
• race/ethnicity

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of The United States and received approval from The Pennsylvania State University Institutional Review Board.

Data availability

The data will not be provided to the public, for inquiries please contact the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.