title: An exploration of gender differences and gender-specific influences on the physical activity and sedentary behaviours of adults with intellectual disabilities
Creators: name: Westrop, Sophie Claire
Publisher: name: University of Glasgow
Year: 2022

description: Background. Women with intellectual disabilities experience greater risk of health inequalities. Low physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behaviour (SB) levels may contribute to this. The influence of gender on PA and SB is unknown for adults with intellectual disabilities. This thesis aimed to 1. Investigate and quantify gender differences in the PA and SB of adults with intellectual disabilities; 2. Identify potential gender-specific influences on the PA and SB of adults with intellectual disabilities. Sequential studies addressed these aims. Study 1. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to quantify gender differences in the PA and SB levels of adults with intellectual disabilities in the extant literature. Seven databases were searched. Significant gender differences were observed for step counts and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), with women less active than men. Mixed findings were reported for SB with limited studies identified. Study 2. This study aimed to identify gender-specific correlates and to quantify gender differences in objectively measured MVPA and SB. A secondary data analysis was conducted using pooled baseline data of two Glasgow based interventions (n = 143 adults with intellectual disabilities: 51.7% women). Bivariate, followed by multivariate linear regressions identified gender-specific correlates using data split by gender. Independent samples t-tests assessed gender differences. No gender differences were reported in MVPA and SB levels. Gender differences in influences were reported; all variables were at an intrapersonal level. Study 3. Gender-specific correlates, and gender differences in self-reported PA and SB were assessed in a secondary data analysis of a population-based study. Participants included n = 725 adults with intellectual disabilities (44.9% women) living in Greater Glasgow. Correlates were at an individual and environmental level. Gender differences in PA and SB levels were measured using Chi-square tests. Multivariate logistic regression with purposeful selection of variables were conducted, using data split by gender. Men were significantly more likely to meet physical activity guidelines. Gender differences in the correlates identified were observed. Study 4. Feasibility of social support network methods in the context of the leisure activities promoted was assessed using a mixed-methods design. Data were collected to assess gender differences in the sources of support, types of activities promoted (PA or SB), and perceptions of social support for PA. This study was cancelled due to the COVID-9 pandemic. N = 3 adults with intellectual disabilities participated prior to cancellation. The data were analysed through thematic analysis, and descriptive statistics calculated for quantitative data. Attempts to adapt the study for remote working were not feasible. Study 5. This study was developed to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to identify gender-specific social and environmental correlates, identify gender differences in PA and SB levels, and the types of activities engaged in by adults with intellectual disabilities. A secondary data analysis was conducted using the British Cohort Study age 46 sweep. Cognitive tests at age 5 and 10 sweeps were used to identify people with potential intellectual disabilities. Outcome data included objectively measured PA and SB, and self-reported activities engaged in. Independent samples t-test assessed gender differences in PA and SB levels. Chi-square tests were used to explore gender differences in the types of activities engaged in. Using data split by gender, bivariate linear regressions, and multivariate linear regression were conducted to identify gender-specific correlates. No significant gender-specific correlates were identified, other than health limiting moderate activities associated with lower step counts for women. Descriptively, men engaged in more sports than women, but rates were low for both genders. Women were significantly more likely to be involved in daily household activities contributing to PA. There were no significant gender differences in the types of SB engaged in. Conclusions. Men with intellectual disabilities engaged in more PA than women, but there were no gender differences present in SB. The PA levels were low for both men and women. There was evidence of gender-specific influences, however more research is required. Exploration into gender differences in PA and SB provides an in-depth understanding of the lifestyles of adults with intellectual disabilities. Failure of past research to consider the influence of gender exacerbates the health inequalities experienced.