Physical activity differences between children from migrant and native origin

Abstract

BackgroundChildren from migrant origin are at higher risk for overweight and obesity. As limited physical activity is a key factor in this overweight and obesity risk, in general, the aim of this study is to assess to what degree children from migrant and native Dutch origin differ with regard to levels of physical activity and to determine which home environment aspects contribute to these differences.MethodsA cross-sectional survey among primary caregivers of primary school children at the age of 8–9 years old (n = 1943) from 101 primary schools in two urban areas in The Netherlands. We used bivariate correlation and multivariate regression techniques to examine the relationship between physical and social environment aspects and the child’s level of physical activity. All outcomes were reported by primary caregivers. Outcome measure was the physical activity level of the child. Main independent variables were migrant background, based on country of birth of the parents, and variables in the physical and social home environment which may enhance or restrict physical activity: the availability and the accessibility of toys and equipment, as well as sport club membership (physical environment), and both parental role modeling, and supportive parental policies (social environment). We controlled for age and sex of the child, and for socio-economic status, as indicated by educational level of the parents.ResultsIn this sample, physical activity levels were significantly lower in migrant children, as compared to children in the native population. Less physical activity was most often seen in Turkish, Moroccan, and other non-western children (p < .05).ConclusionsAlthough traditional home characteristics in both the physical, and the social environment are often associated with child’s physical activity, these characteristics provided only modest explanation of the differences in physical activity between migrant and non-migrant children in this study. The question arises whether interventions aimed at overweight and obesity should have to focus on home environmental characteristics with regard to physical activity.

Social vulnerability as a predictor of physical activity and screen time in European children

“…Similar to our study, Puder et al, (2013) showed that migrant children had a significantly higher amount of ST compared with children born in the country of measurement. Contrary to what we observed, it was showed that PA levels in children were significantly lower among migrant children compared to children in the native population (Labree et al 2014).…”

“…unemployment) situations that can increase the susceptibility to harm and that eventually amount to social disconnectedness (Haudenhuyse et al 2012). These social vulnerable groups tend to adopt unhealthier behaviours and to be less active compared to non-vulnerable groups (Hawkins et al 2009;Labree et al 2014).…”

“…We hypothesized that children from vulnerable groups would have lower levels of PA and higher levels of ST compared to non-vulnerable groups due to financial constraints and negative experiences faced by vulnerable children. Some investigations reported that migrant children had lower levels of PA compared to native children as a result of the acculturation and a different body image perception (Labree et al 2014). Non-traditional families could be at risk of being more inactive and of having lower sports participation levels because they might have lower modelling abilities and financial capacity compared to traditional families (Quarmby et al 2011).…”

Participation in sports, body composition, and fitness characteristics in children according to ethnic background

“…There is a paucity of data regarding participation in organized sport activities in immigrant children in Europe, but our results are in accordance with the literature on this topic, which shows reduced involvement of immigrants in sports compared to local peers. 1,16,17 Compared to the study by Nielsen et al, 1 the percentages of participation in organized sport activities of children of the present study, for both Italians and immigrants, are intermediate between the two age classes considered for Danish children (6-7 years; 9-10 years). If we consider the Danish data as a whole, Italian children show a higher participation in sports, while immigrant children of the present study show a lower participation than the Danish samples.…”

“…5,15 Data regarding how immigrant status affects participation in extracurricular activities are scarce; moreover, differences according to race/ethnicity have been reported, showing conflicting results. 1,5,8,16,17 This probably depends not only on the national context but also on the measures used to quantify the physical activity. A greater understanding of immigrant children in the participation in structured out-of-school activities can enable an increased awareness and subsequent actions to promote their participation.…”