Physical activity and sedentarism among non-binary gender identified university students

Abstract Background Physical inactivity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Data indicates that non-binary gender identified people find it difficult to perform PA, this is a disadvantage for them to reach their full health potential. Methods Students were selected by convenience sampling to complete a survey between October-November 2023. A validated PA questionnaire was included. PA and SB were classified into 4 levels: Active but sedentary, extremely sedentary, physically active and discreetly active. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results Out of 32 students did not identified themselves as binary gender. In our sample, 28,1% (vs 12.9% binary students) don’t do PA. Of those doing PA, 52,2% don’t meet World Health Organization recommendations. Among those who perform PA, there no difference in the amount of minutes/week of moderate or intense physical activity performed. Regarding SB, 93,8% spend >6 hours/day in SB (vs 84.7% binary students, mean 7,82 vs 8,75, Sg. 0,032). When grouped into PA/SB categories 65,6% (vs 40,5%) were extremely sedentary in contrast to 1,4% physically active (vs 8.8%). Conclusions In Spain, 1 in 4 young people does not identify with the male/female categories. In our sample, physical inactivity and sedentarism are higher among those who do not identify as male/female. Once they commit to physical activity, there is no difference in the time spent between those who meet the WHO recommendations. More research is needed to understand the reasons for these differences and ensure barrier-free access to healthy lifestyle habits on campus. Key messages • Non-binary gender identified students are less physically active and more sedentary than their peers. • Once they commit to physical activity recommendations, there are no differences among their performance.