Increasing Physical Activity among LGBTQ+ Adults: A Socio-Ecological Approach
Video Social & Behavioral Sciences 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Keegan Peterson
Exhibition Number 519
Abstract
Background: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, other (LGBTQ+) adults continue to report high rates of chronic condition incidence and prevalence, and reduced rates of physical activity (PA). However, interventions tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals remain limited. This study sought to determine the magnitude of effect at each level of socio-ecological model (e.g., individual, social, community/institution, environment) associated with meeting PA guidelines to inform intervention approaches. Methods: Participants (n=300, non-Hispanic White (69.7%), cis-gendered women (40.7%), queer (38.3%), 18 – 34 years old (70.7%)) self-reported their current PA levels and PA correlates at each level of the SEM using multiple validated survey instruments via an online, anonymous survey. Level-specific survey instruments were combined to create a composite score for analyses. A hierarchical logistic regression was used to predict likelihood of meeting PA guidelines with each additional step adding a level of the SEM. Race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and income served as confounders. Results: Each step in the model was significant; the level-specific correlates were significant predictors of meeting PA guidelines. In the final model (²(16) = 74.13, p<0.001, R2 = 0.303), and across each model, general (B = 0.148, p<0.001, odds ratio = 1.16) correlates at the individual level were significant predictors of higher odds of meeting PA guidelines. Conclusion: Tailored PA interventions should emphasize individual correlates of PA, in tandem with other SEM levels of influence to promote effective behavior change. Without intervention, LGBTQ+ individuals may continue to experience chronic conditions at a higher rate compared to their peers.
Importance
Chronic conditions plague the United States population, with heart disease being the leading cause of death in 2023. Annual healthcare costs associated with these chronic conditions totaled $4.1 trillion in 2023, or 90% of the annual US healthcare expenditure. Physical activity (PA) can reduce or prevent chronic condition incidence and prevalence; however, only 24.2% of US adults participate in enough PA to achieve health benefits. Certain populations, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, other (LGBTQ+) individuals, report reduced PA participation and higher incidence of chronic disease. The current study’s findings offer foundational knowledge for health promotion efforts among LGBTQ+ individuals. Without this research, intervention approaches to improve health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals will continue to be ineffective.
DEI Statement
Current demographic trends indicate a growing number of individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, other (LGBTQ+) individuals, particularly among 18 – 25-year-olds. LGBTQ+ individuals report higher rates of physical inactivity and chronic disease compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Efforts to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle behaviors remains limited, with only four interventions tailored to this group, requiring further investigation. The current study's findings provide crucial contextual evidence necessary to address LGBTQ+-specific PA disparities among adults, with an overall goal to reduce chronic disease and associated healthcare spending. Without this knowledge, intervention approaches will continue to be ineffective in leveraging PA as a tool to reduce chronic disease risk among this growing sub-population.