Investigating Gender Differences in Physical Activity Behavior and Social Cognitions among First-Year Medical Students
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Authors
Tomasone, Jennifer
D'Urzo, Katrina
Johnson, Ashley
McEachern, Brittany
McPhee, Iain
Brennan, Andrea
Fenuta, Alyssa
Lau, Rebecca
Shirazipour, Celina
Hefnawi, Badr
Date
2019-11-18
Type
journal article
Language
en
Keyword
Theory of planned behaviour , Counselling , Lifestyle medicine , Curriculum
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior, we examined gender differences in physical activity (PA) behavior and social cognitions (SC; i.e., attitudes, perceived behavioral control, intentions and subjective norms) among first-year medical students.
Methods: In October 2015, first-year medical students from across Ontario [n=95; 23±2 years (31 males)] completed questionnaires assessing PA levels and SC.
Results: Men reported greater moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) per week compared to women (243.3 ± 224.7 min/week vs. 145.4 ± 127.8 min/week, p=0.042). No differences in SC toward PA were observed between genders (all ps>0.05). Bivariate correlations revealed that perceived behavioral control and intentions to participate in PA correlated with MVPA in both genders (all rs>0.348; all ps<0.05); however, attitudes (pleasantness and enjoyment) predicted MVPA solely amongst men (all rs>0.492; all ps<0.001).
Conclusions: Findings provide insight into the theoretical constructs that influence medical students’ PA, and how these factors may differ between genders. Findings can be used to tailor interventions to increase PA among medical students.
Description
Citation
D'Urzo K, Johnson A, McEachern B, McPhee I, , et al. 2019, 'Investigating Gender Differences in Physical Activity Behavior and Social Cognitions among First-Year Medical Students', MedEdPublish, 8, [3], 58, https://doi.org/10.15694/mep.2019.000207.1
Publisher
MedEdPublish