Gender differences in the associations between physical activity, nature visits and pro-environmental behaviors

Mini-Oral Presentation B2.1

Authors

  • Andreia Teixeira University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • Ronaldo Gabriel University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • José Martinho University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro; University of Coimbra
  • Graça Pinto University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • Ana Alencoão University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro; University of Coimbra
  • Helena Moreira University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.605

Keywords:

Accelerometry, Natural Environment, Environmental Concern

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that nature visits are positively associated with higher levels of physical activity (PA) and generates greater respect and responsibility for the natural environment. These benefits may differ between men and women, making this gender differentiation required. Purpose: Analyze, in both genders, the influence of age and PA on nature visits and pro-environmental behaviors (PEB’s). Methods: We recruited a sample of 219 individuals (77 men and 142 women) and a self-administered questionnaire was used to measure nature visits, PEB’s and obtain some demographic variables. PA was measured using ActiGraph accelerometers (wGT3X-BT). Pearson’s correlation and logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed a gender differences in nature visits (p<0.01), with men (1.56±1.01) visiting nature more often than women (1.20±1.05). In females, age explained 3.3% of the variation of nature visits (b= 0.290; p=0.02) and moderate-vigorous PA proved to be a significant predictor of PEB’s. In men, the regressors selected for visits to natural spaces were dog ownership (b= 0.369; p<0.01), residence place (b= -0.224; p=0.03) and PEB’s (b= 0.198; p=0.05). Conclusions: In men, nature visits were associated with daily steps and PEBs. Conversely, in women, no associations were identified between visits to natural environments and levels of PA and environmentally concerned. Funding: This work is supported by National Funds by FCT-Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects UIDB/04033/2020, UID04045/2020 and UIDB/00073/2020. The investigation was also supported by European funding program Interreg Atlantic Area, under the project (EAPA_772/2018-Triple-C).

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Teixeira, A., Gabriel, R., Martinho, J., Pinto, G., Alencoão, A., & Moreira, H. (2021). Gender differences in the associations between physical activity, nature visits and pro-environmental behaviors: Mini-Oral Presentation B2.1. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.605