Motivations and Barriers to Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Rural Women of Gipuzkoa

Abstract

Women do less physical activity than men, and physical inactivity among women is higher during active years (ages 18–65). In addition, women residing in rural areas do less physical activity than those living in urban areas. The aim of this study was to analyze the habits, motivations, and barriers linked to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among women of rural areas of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain), from a socioecological and feminist approach. Two hundred and ninety-six rural women from Gipuzkoa, aged 18–65 (41.1 ± 11.2), answered the Gipuzkoa Women’s Physical Activity Questionnaire. Pearson’s chi-square test and independent samples test were used to compare the responses between the active and inactive groups. 62.8% of the participants were active, while 37.2% were inactive. In terms of intrapersonal factors, being fit was the main motivation for doing LTPA, and lack of time was the main barrier. Among the interpersonal factors, the main motivation was being in contact with friends and people they enjoyed, and the main barrier was not having someone to go with. Motherhood was not an impediment to do LTPA, and the support received from partners, family, and friends made it easier for the subjects to remain active. The influence of the physical environment and sociocultural factors was small, with the COVID-19 confinement being the main reason motivating LTPA, and the weather the main barrier. There are multiple factors that affect LTPA among rural women, and it is important to consider this collective’s diversity in order to promote healthy lifestyle habits.