GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN RURAL 5TH GRADE CHILDREN

This study determined if gender differences in physical activity could be accounted for by differences in selected social-cognitive determin ants of activity behavior. Some 334 fifth grade, predominantly African -American students provided information regarding after-school physica l activity and the hypothesized determinants of activity behavior. Boy s reported significantly greater participation in vigorous (greater th an or equal to 6 METs) and in moderate to vigorous (greater than or eq ual to 4 METs). Relative to girls, boys demonstrated higher levels of physical fitness, greater self-efficacy in overcoming barriers to phys ical activity, greater amounts of television watching, and higher leve ls of participation in community sports and physical activity organiza tions. When mean physical activity scores for girls and boys were adju sted for the effects of these determinant variables, the significant g ender difference in physical activity remained. However, adjustment fo r self-efficacy in overcoming barriers and community sports reduced th e gender gap by 5% and 7%, respectively. In contrast, adjustment for t elevision watching increased the gender gap by about 8%. Results indic ated perceived confidence in overcoming barriers to physical activity and participation in community physical activity programs are factors related to the gender difference in physical activity.