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.