All are equal, but some are more equal than others: Social determinants of leisure time physical activity through the lens of intersectionality

Abstract

Background To date, no research has investigated social determinants of leisure time physical activity through the lens of intersectionality in a low- and middle-income country. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the intersectionality in leisure time physical activity in a nationwide sample of Brazilian adults. Methods Data from the Brazilian National Health Survey conducted in 2013 were analysed (N = 58,429). Prevalence of leisure-time physical activity (150 + minutes per week in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) was estimated according to gender, racial identity, education and income, and according to multiple combinations of these sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., multiple jeopardy index). Results The prevalence of leisure time physical activity was 22.9% (95%CI: 22.3 to 23.6). Overall, the prevalence of leisure time physical activity was highest among men, individuals with white skin colour, and among those in the highest group of education and income. Among men, white, with a university degree and in the highest quartile of income (3% of the population), the prevalence of physical activity was 48%. Among non-white women with low education and low income (8.1% of the population), the prevalence of leisure time physical activity was 9.8%. Conclusion Informed by the theory of intersectionality, findings of this study have shown that intersections of gender, racial identity and socioeconomic position of the Brazilian society strongly influence leisure-time physical activity at the individual level. Targeted interventions to increase leisure-time physical activity should address the complexities of social status intersections.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Pain in U.S. Adults

“…Although the current study did not look at socioeconomic status (SES), the roles of gender, race, and SES are interrelated with the combination of women, non-White, low SES being much less likely to meet PA recommendations. Mielke et al (44) found Caucasian men, in the highest quartile of income met PA guidelines 48% of the time where non-White, women, with low income only met PA 9.8% of the time. Research demonstrates a delineation in benefits conferred related to if PA is associated with leisure or occupational activities as well, with leisure PA demonstrating increased benefit where occupational activity does not offer the same benefit (45).…”

If You Pay, Will They Come? Evaluating the Impact of Subsidies on Cessation Outcomes in the Walk or Run to Quit Program

“…The impact of Walk or Run to Quit on cessation outcomes was comparable to other mul-ticomponent interventions [12] while also increasing physical activity among those who completed the program. Ensuring equitable access to programs like Walk or Run to Quit should be a priority given the intersections between racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in both smoking [23,24] and physical activity [25,26]. In this case, subsidization did not expand the relatively narrow demographic profile of participants.…”