RESEARCH PAPER
Age- and sex-specific motives for physical activity in the Vojvodina region
1
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Submission date: 2026-02-15
Final revision date: 2026-02-24
Acceptance date: 2026-03-05
Online publication date: 2026-03-09
Corresponding author
Radenko Matić
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Dr Zorana Đinđića 1, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Dr Zorana Đinđića 1, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
This study examined age- and sex-specific differences in motives for physical activity among residents of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The study used the Special Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity methodology, allowing comparison within a broader European context.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023 with 945 participants (439 men, 506 women) aged 15-94 years. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests with Holm’s correction, and Cramér’s V for effect sizes across age and sex groups were used.
Results:
Improving health was the most frequently reported motive across all age groups and between both sexes, consistent with the EU trends. Younger individuals more often reported appearance-, performance-, enjoyment-, competition-, self-esteem-, and skill-related motives, whereas older adults focused primarily on health, relaxation, and fitness. Women emphasized appearance and weight control more than men, while men were more motivated by enjoyment, competition, and socializing. With age, appearance- and self-esteem-related motives declined more among women, whereas performance- and competition-related motives declined more among men.
Conclusions:
Motives for physical activity in Vojvodina vary significantly by age and sex, largely mirroring the EU patterns. These findings highlight the need for age- and sex-sensitive promotion strategies that reflect both European trends and local contexts.
This study examined age- and sex-specific differences in motives for physical activity among residents of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The study used the Special Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity methodology, allowing comparison within a broader European context.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023 with 945 participants (439 men, 506 women) aged 15-94 years. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests with Holm’s correction, and Cramér’s V for effect sizes across age and sex groups were used.
Results:
Improving health was the most frequently reported motive across all age groups and between both sexes, consistent with the EU trends. Younger individuals more often reported appearance-, performance-, enjoyment-, competition-, self-esteem-, and skill-related motives, whereas older adults focused primarily on health, relaxation, and fitness. Women emphasized appearance and weight control more than men, while men were more motivated by enjoyment, competition, and socializing. With age, appearance- and self-esteem-related motives declined more among women, whereas performance- and competition-related motives declined more among men.
Conclusions:
Motives for physical activity in Vojvodina vary significantly by age and sex, largely mirroring the EU patterns. These findings highlight the need for age- and sex-sensitive promotion strategies that reflect both European trends and local contexts.
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