Gender differences in related influential factors of regular exercise behavior among people in Taiwan in 2007: A cross-sectional study

Purpose The purpose was to explore the exercise behavior of the Taiwanese population during leisure time and to examine the gender differences in related influential factors. Methods The Leisure Time and Sport Questionnaire (LTSQ) conducted by the Academia Sinica in 2007 was used for analysis. Participants were drawn from the Taiwanese population aged over 18 years old. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to test the association between the frequency of exercise and related factors in all the participants, male, and female participants, respectively. Results In the total 2,147 participants, 47.8% reported they regularly exercised, 34.1% irregularly exercised, and 18.1% never exercised. There were no significant gender differences in the frequency of exercise, but a significant gender difference was found in the types of exercise most often practiced. Participants in one of following conditions, over 65 and under 40 years old, living in the city, having higher education levels, having a spouse or partner, enjoying exercise, feeling worthwhile to spend money on exercise, and not having to take care of others, were more likely to be engaged in regular exercise in the total population. The enjoyment in exercise was a significant influential factor for both sexes. Women were more likely to exercise regularly if they were aged 40-64 years old compared with those over 65 years old, have lower self-rated health scores, felt it was more worthwhile to spend money on exercise and did not have to care for another, whereas men who have higher education level and did not feel a lack of time were more likely to exercise regularly. Conclusions There are gender differences in regular exercise behavior during leisure time and related influential factors among Taiwanese adults. The findings of the present study can be used when designing gender-specific health promotion programs.