Differences in physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity between LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + college students

Frederick, Ginny M.; Hernández, Isaura Castillo; Williams, Ewan R; Singh, Anneliese A.; Evans, Ellen M.

doi:10.1080/07448481.2020.1842426

Cited by 11 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Thus, the high proportion of individuals meeting the aerobic portion without meeting the RT portion may be partially explained by the fact that over 50% of the participants in this study identified as women. Even with this caveat, our findings are consistent with previous research regarding lower levels of PA among LGBTQ+ students and individuals compared with their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (3,8–11).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…One factor contributing to PA behavior among members of the LGBTQ+ community is perception of the benefits and barriers associated with engagement in PA (16,17). Our research indicates that perceptions of PA are associated with PA behavior, and LGBTQ+ students perceive fewer benefits and more barriers to engaging in PA than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (9). Moreover, in addition to general barriers to PA (e.g., lack of time, motivation), individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ may perceive unique benefits and barriers that are not adequately captured using standard quantitative measures such as the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS), thus precluding the elucidation of factors contributing to suboptimal PA participation (15,17–22).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 80%

“…This research also highlights the importance of using qualitative approaches to supplement or bolster quantitative methods. This approach allowed us to elucidate perceived PA benefits and barriers specific to members of the LGBTQ+ community, expanding upon our previous work that determined that EBBS scores differ for LGBTQ+ students compared with their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (9). Furthermore, these contextualized ideas about perceptions of benefits and barriers (e.g., deviance from social or gender norms) could inform PA health promotion programming tailored for those identifying as LGBTQ+.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Data used in the current study are derived from a parent study that assessed differences in PA and diet perceptions and behaviors among LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ college students at a large southeastern university (9). In a subgroup of individuals who identified as LGBTQ+, qualitative methodology complimented quantitative survey data to provide context regarding PA benefits and barriers.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Fewer than half of US college students meet public health guidelines for PA, and adherence rates among LGBTQ+ college students are even lower (3,7–12). Although many studies demonstrating differences in rates of PA participation based on sexual orientation and gender identity exist (3,8,10,12–14), very few have examined underlying reasons for this discrepancy (15).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Physical Activity among LGBTQ+ College Students

2022

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Introduction/PurposeMembers of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community experience health disparities in part due to health behaviors, including physical activity (PA). This cross-sectional study explored perceived benefits and barriers to PA, an important health behavior for both physical and mental health, among LGBTQ+ college students using quantitative and qualitative methods.MethodsCollege students identifying as LGBTQ+ (n = 47) were assessed for PA via accelerometry and completed the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS). Six focus groups (4–8 participants each) provided qualitative descriptions of perceived benefits and barriers to PA.ResultsPA guidelines (aerobic and resistance training) were met by ~30% of participants. Qualitative descriptions aligned with EBBS subscales of general benefits and barriers to PA. General minority stress, perceived stigma, internalized homophobia, and discrimination and violence emerged as themes related to the experienced barriers. Furthermore, effects of PA on body shape, focus on aesthetics in the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of physically active LGBTQ+ role models, deviance from social or gender norms related to PA, and same-sex relationships and body image were additional concerns related to LGBTQ+ identity.ConclusionsQualitative responses indicate that LGBTQ+ college students perceive general benefits and barriers to PA. Barriers to engaging in sufficient PA due to minority stress and concerns related to identity as LGBTQ+ were evident. These findings can be used to develop tailored health promotion programs on college campuses to address the barriers to PA faced by LGBTQ+ students. More research is needed in the college-aged LGBTQ+ community to build robust PA health promotion efforts to enhance inclusivity and reduce health disparities.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%