Gender Difference of Self-health Image and Actual Wearing Conditions in University Students

Abstract

This study suggests basic data on optimum thermal insulation for spring wear through an investigation of subjective thermal sensation, self-health image and actual wearing conditions. A survey of university students using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted to collect data on subjective thermal sensation, self-health image, wearing conditions, demographics and physical characteristics. The variable of wearing conditions was measured as the response to the clothing they were wearing. Garment items (26 types for males and 41 types for females) were suggested and the items worn by the students were converted into the thermal insulation values for clothing. The main results are as follows. As for the body type perception, males perceived themselves as not fat while females perceived themselves as not thin. As for the health perception, males perceived themselves healthier than females. As for the climate adaptability perception, females were more sensitive to cold than males. The average thermal insulation of clothing was 0.97clo (0.34-1.95clo) with higher insulation for males than females. Students were more sensitive to the cold when their BMI was lower, their body surface area per body weight was larger, and the more they perceived themselves as not healthy. There was a significant correlation between the self-health image of sensitiveness to cold and the thermal insulation of clothing. The results were synthetically discussed in terms of environmental physiology.