Increasing Physical Activity Among North American Sexual/Gender Diverse Adults: A Socioecological Approach

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Sociology

Background:

• Sexual and/or gender diverse (SGD) adults experience higher chronic condition rates and lower physical activity (PA) levels.
• Interventions tailored to the unique needs of SGD individuals are limited.
• Understanding socioecological model (SEM) factors influencing PA in SGD adults is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of individual, social, community/institutional, and environmental factors on meeting PA guidelines in SGD adults.
• To identify key correlates at each SEM level associated with PA.
• To inform the development of targeted PA interventions for SGD populations.

Main Methods:

• A North American sample of 300 SGD adults completed anonymous online surveys.
• Validated instruments measured current PA levels and correlates across SEM levels.
• Hierarchical logistic regression analyzed the likelihood of meeting PA guidelines, controlling for demographic confounders.

Main Results:

• Each SEM level significantly predicted meeting PA guidelines.
• Individual-level correlates were significant predictors of higher odds of meeting PA guidelines (odds ratio = 1.16).
• The final model explained 30.3% of the variance in meeting PA guidelines.

Conclusions:

• PA interventions for SGD adults should prioritize individual-level factors.
• Integrating individual correlates with other SEM influences can enhance behavior change.
• Targeted interventions are necessary to mitigate higher chronic condition risks in SGD populations.