Gender differences in physical activity and its determinants in rural adults in Korea

Aim: This study aimed to examine gender differences in physical activity and its determinants among rural adults in Korea. Background: Only limited studies exist that examined gender differences in physical activity in Korean adults. Major determinants for physical activity such as self-efficacy, benefits and barriers have been studied, but little is known about their gender differences. Nurses promoting and teaching adults to increase physical activity need data for evidence-based practice. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Method: Participants were 481 adults living in a rural area of Korea. The physical activity status, exercise self-efficacy, benefits, barriers and sociodemographics were compared between men and women. Descriptive statistics, t-test and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: The physical activity status, perceived self-efficacy and benefits of physical activity in women were significantly lower than those of men. For men, only self-efficacy was statistically significant in explaining recommended physical activity as well as physical activity participation. However, for women, benefits and barriers as well as self-efficacy significantly explained their participation of physical activity, but not the recommended physical activity. Unlike men, women's physical activity was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors. Conclusion: Gender differences found in this study should be the basis for evidence-based nursing practice. Tailored nursing interventions based on gender would improve physical activity of rural adults in Korea and beyond. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses providing care for rural adults should know the gender differences in the determinants of physical activity and provide gender-specific interventions to improve their physical activity.