MOTIVATION TO PHYSICAL EXERCISE: IS IT DIVERSE WITH DIFFERENT SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS PARTICULARLY THE GENDER?

Abstract

Engagement in physical exercise differs with different socio demographic status. Females exhibit lower levels of physical exercise performance, it seems that their motivation to exercise is differ. Various types of motivation that influence exercise performance regularly were recognized.This study aims to determine the relationship between 21 motivating reasons and sociodemographic factors, concentrating more on the gender difference. Method: A study was conducted on 501 adults performing exercise. Participants were interviewed using a questionnaire comprises of 21 motivating reasons. Each reason was measured on a fivepoint scale as, strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). The sum, and mean score of all the 21 reasons was used as the dependent variable versus each socio-demographic factor. The mean score of each item was used as the dependent variable versus gender. Results: Significant inverse correlations were detected between motivating reasons score with; age (r=-0.122, p=0.007), BMI (r=-0.091, p=0.042), and household income (r=-0.095, p=0.036). Unmarried or free of chronic diseases respondents showed, significantly higher motivating mean score (p=0.032, 0.010 respectively). No significant difference in the mean score with level of education and gender.However, males showed significantly higher means score in two motivating reasons to; have a positive effect on the sex life (4.18±1.01, p<0.001), have more energy to go about the daily chores (4.62± .63, p= 0.027). No significant gender difference in the mean score for other motivating reasons. Conclusion: young, unmarried, lower income, lower BMI and no chronic illness individuals have higher motivating reasons. Both genders were almost equally motivated in performing exercises.