Socio-economic inequalities in physical activity practice among Italian children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether socio-economic inequalities in the practice of physical activity existed among children and adolescents, using different indicators of socio-economic status (SES).Subjects and methodsData were derived from the Italian National Health Interview Survey carried out in 2004–2005, which examined a large random sample of the Italian population using both an interviewer-administered and a self-compiled questionnaire. This study was based on a sample of 15,216 individuals aged 6–17 years. The practice of physical activity was measured on the basis of questions regarding frequency and intensity of activity during leisure time over the past 12 months. Parents’ educational and occupational level, as well as family’s availability of material resource, were used as indicators of SES. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the contribution of each SES indicator to the practice of physical activity, adjusting for potential confounding factors. The results of the regression models are expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsAbout 64% of children and adolescents in the sample declared that they participated in moderate or vigorous physical activity at least once a week. After adjustment for gender, age, parental attitudes towards physical activity and geographical area, the practice of physical activity increased with higher parental educational and occupational level and greater availability of material resources. Children and adolescents whose parents held a middle or high educational title were 80% more likely to practice moderate or vigorous physical activity than subjects whose parents had a lower level of education (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.40–2.33), while subjects with unemployed parents had an odds of practicing moderate or vigorous physical activity 0.43 times that of those children whose parents belonged to the top job occupation category (administrative/professionals). Socio-economic differences were about the same when the practice of vigorous physical activity only was considered instead of that of moderate or vigorous physical activity.ConclusionInterventions that promote the practice of physical activity, and especially those aimed at the wider physical and social environment, are strongly needed to contrast socio-economic differences in physical activity among children and adolescents.

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

“…Since parents are important role models for children this could lead to lower activity levels in children (Van Domelen et al 2011). Nonetheless, our results did not show any association between children with unemployed parents and being at higher risk of not meeting PA recommendations, like other investigations have demonstrated (Federico et al 2009).…”

“…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). Children with unemployed parents reported lower levels of PA and higher levels of ST compared to children with employed parents (Federico et al 2009). Job loss raises TV-watching and since parents exert an impact on children, this may negatively affect children.…”

Socio-economic patterns of sport demand and ageing

“…In contrast, working time (respectively school time) had a positive effect on sport participation [65]. Thirdly, a good educational background was found to have a positive impact on sport participation [25,30,33,40,47,62] which is also true for children and adolescents whose parents have a higher educational level [26]. This can be explained by the fact that through a higher educational level, there might be a better understanding of the importance of physical activity and sport [25].…”

Effects of a kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention on motor performance ability in 3- to 6-year-old children: the ToyBox-study

“…In contrast, children with high SES revealed the smallest amelioration in both tests. In general, children with lower SES background are less physically active (Federico, Falese, & Capelli, 2009), have lower levels of physical fitness (Lammle et al, 2012) and motor skills (Sprague, Kile, Lipscomb, McClelland, & MacDonald, 2013) compared to children with higher SES background. This can be attributed to socio-environmental factors e.g.…”