Clustered individual non-modifiable factors play a greater role than clustered individual modifiable behaviours in active travel to university in Spain

Active commuting is considered as an opportunity to create a healthy habit in a sustainable way, but different individual factors and modifiable behaviours may influence in their choice. The aims of this study were to identify the clustering profile of individual non-modifiable factors, and the clustering profile of individual modifiable behaviours, associated with active commuting to university. A total of 1012 students (53.6 % female) from an Andalusian university participated in this study, and self-reported on a reliable questionnaire. For the analyses, two-step cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regression were considered. The individual non-modifiable factors and the individual modifiable behaviours mostly showed significant differences ( p < .005) by the mode of commuting. Significant associations were found between active commuting and two profiles of individual non-modifiable factors (OR: 0.33, 95 % Confidence Intervals [CI]:0.14, 0.76; OR: 1.96, 95 % CI:1.04, 3.80). No significant associations were found between active commuting and profile of individual modifiable behaviours. individual non-modifiable factors could be more determinant in active transportation choices than individual modifiable behaviours in Spanish university students. • Non-modifiable individual factors are key to predicting active commuting, suggesting future intervention targets. • Residential context, gender, and age could be key individual factors for understanding commuting behavior adoption. • Socioeconomic level alone does not fully predict active commuting choices in university students.