Abstract
BackgroundPhysical inactivity is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and entails a substantial economic burden for health systems. Also, the analysis of inequality in lifestyles for young populations may contribute to reduce health inequalities during adulthood. This paper examines the income-related inequality regarding leisure-time physical inactivity in Spanish children.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study based on the Spanish National Health Survey for 2011-12, concentration indices are estimated to measure socioeconomic inequalities in leisure-time physical inactivity. A decomposition analysis is performed to determine the factors that explain income-related inequalities.ResultsThere is a significant socioeconomic gradient favouring the better-off associated with leisure-time physical inactivity amongst Spanish children, which is more pronounced in the case of girls. Income shows the highest contribution to total inequality, followed by education of the head of the household. The contribution of several factors (education, place of residence, age) significantly differs by gender.ConclusionsThere is an important inequity in the distribution of leisure-time physical inactivity. Public policies aimed at promoting physical activity for children should prioritize the action into the most disadvantaged subgroups of the population. As the influence of determinants of health styles significantly differ by gender, this study points out the need of addressing the research on income-related inequalities in health habits from a gender perspective.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and entails a substantial economic burden for health systems
In Spain, Rey-López et al [16] have shown socioeconomic factors such as parental education prove to be inversely associated with sedentary behaviours in adolescents that include TV viewing or computer and videogames use during weekdays, which may be considered as substitute activities for physical exercise [16]
Our results suggest that physical inactivity in leisure time is significantly associated with age, for boys
Summary
Physical inactivity is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and entails a substantial economic burden for health systems. The socioeconomic gradient in physical activity in younger populations has been documented. Socioeconomic status and parental education appear to be positively correlated to high physical levels for children and adolescents [11,12,13,14,15,16]. In Spain, Rey-López et al [16] have shown socioeconomic factors such as parental education prove to be inversely associated with sedentary behaviours in adolescents that include TV viewing or computer and videogames use during weekdays, which may be considered as substitute activities for physical exercise [16]
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