Differences in Vigorous Physical Activity Across Five Major Religious Affiliations and the Moderating Role of National Religious Contexts: A Multilevel Analysis of 22 Countries

ABSTRACT

This study investigated differences in vigorous physical activity across five major religious affiliations (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism) and examined whether these associations were influenced by national religious contexts. Data from the Global Flourishing Study, including 202,898 participants from 22 countries, were analyzed using multilevel regression models. Among the five religious groups, only Buddhists demonstrated significantly higher levels of vigorous physical activity compared with individuals with no religious affiliation. At the country level, higher proportions of Buddhists and Jews were negatively associated with vigorous physical activity, whereas a higher proportion of Hindus was positively associated with activity levels. An increase in the country‐level prevalence of Christians moderated the association between Christian affiliation and vigorous physical activity, while a higher national prevalence of Jews weakened the positive association between Judaism and vigorous physical activity. Understanding religious and cultural contexts may help inform more tailored public health strategies and interventions aimed at promoting physical activity across diverse populations.