Multi-factorial determinants of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and mental well-being in the South Tyrolean population

This cross-sectional study investigated physical activity (PA) levels, sitting time (ST), and mental well-being among young adults in South Tyrol, identifying socio-demographic determinants and physical activity barriers (PAB). Four hundred participants (46.5% males) were enrolled. Variables collected included socio-demographic data; PA levels and ST, assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form; mental well-being, measured using the WHO Well-Being Index questionnaire; perceived PAB, evaluated using the Physical Activity Barriers questionnaire.

Results showed that only 17% of participants did not meet the WHO PA guidelines. Multi-factorial determinants of PA, ST and mental well-being were also found. Italian speakers and people with secondary education were more likely to exceed guidelines compared to German speakers and university graduates, respectively.

High personal PAB was significantly associated with a likelihood of not meeting the guidelines. Students and people with a university education reported higher ST than blue-collar workers and those with lower education, respectively. Decreased ST was also significantly associated with high social PAB.

Additionally, poorer mental well-being was found in adults aged 26–34 and people with fewer economic resources. Furthermore, high personal and environmental PAB were strongly associated with decreased mental well-being. These findings indicate that while PA adherence is high, sedentary behaviour remains a public health challenge.

Investigating the determinants of an active lifestyle within an active population can provide important insights for stakeholders to prioritise targeted interventions that help individuals overcome internal, motivational, and socio-economic barriers. These strategies are essential for promoting an active lifestyle and enhancing the mental well-being of young adults. Although the health benefits of physical activity (PA) are well documented, global physical inactivity has reached such critical levels that it has been described as a pandemic1.

Regular PA is a cornerstone of health and well-being across the lifespan2. Conversely, sedentary behaviour is characterised by very low energy expenditure (≤ 1.5 METs) and has been consistently associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental disorders as well as premature mortality3,4,5. Importantly, barriers to PA (PAB) do not occur in isolation but rather across multiple levels of influence, as outlined in Bauman’s socio-ecological model6.