Factors Affecting Youth Physical Activities: Evidence from Russia

Abstract

The article provides an assessment of the factors that may affect the probability and intensity of physical activity among young Russians aged 15-24. The analysis is based on the data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS), 2000–2016 (n=21,703). Econometric analysis shows that there is a positive relationship between the physical activity probability and the indicators such as educational level, household per capita income, and living in capital cities. There is also a negative relationship between the probability of physical activity and individual’s characteristics such as smoking, family status (marriage), employment status (having a job). Relationship between the probability and intensity of physical activity and such features as alcohol consumption, body mass index and subjective health assessment is inconclusive. Implementation of measures aimed at increasing the physical activity of young Russians taking into account the stimulating or restraining factors may increase the productivity of physical exercise and further improve health condition and contribute to a longer lifespan in Russia. Acknowledgments. The project was funded by the HSE Basic Research Program (2018).