Determine Gender Differences Research Articles

Body Composition Analysis Junior Basketball Players

Background: Athletes must maintain top physical condition to compete, with body composition a crucial indicator. Skeletal muscle mass and body fat are related to performance, with a lower fat percentage increasing physical ability. Nutritional needs also play a role, where athletes consume carbohydrates for 60-70% of their energy. These factors are essential for optimal performance and overall health. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the body composition of junior basketball athletes regarding gender. Methods: This study employed a rigorous cross-sectional research design to analyze the body composition measurements of elite athletes and junior basketball players. The participants were carefully selected based on age, injury history, national-level achievements, and recent injury training. A total of 24 junior basketball athletes, evenly split between elite junior male and female athletes, participated in the test. The data was meticulously analyzed using Minitab software and the T-test to determine gender differences, ensuring the validity and reliability of the results. Results: The athletes were aged 16-17, weighing 50-65 kg to 95-108 kg. They had BMI characteristics of 8.3% underweight, 79.2% normal, 12.5% overweight, and 0% obese. Significant differences were found in body composition characteristics for each gender. The T-test results show significant differences between the variables with a P value <0.05. Conclusion: They indicate that female basketball athletes tend to have a higher fat percentage, while male athletes typically possess significantly greater muscle mass. These insights can be instrumental in developing gender-specific training and nutrition programs, thereby enhancing the performance and health of junior basketball athletes.

Gender-associated features in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Evidence indicates gender differences in the progression of this disease. This study aimed to determine gender differences in prevalence and identify gender-associated risk factors contributing to the development of diabetic kidney disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The cross-sectional study included 132 patients with T2DM ranging in age from 50 to 65 years. Subjects were stratified by sex (80 women and 52 men). Gender differences have been studied in relation to the incidence and prevalence of DKD, their phenotypes and clinical manifestations, and several risk factors that have different effects on both sexes. The outcome of clinical kidney function assessment showed that 70% subjects were diagnosed with DKD (71% of women and 67% of men). The study indicated an association between the duration of T2DM and urinary albumin levels, as well as between arterial hypertension and triglyceride levels, which are independent risk factors for DKD development. Notably, older women with T2DM have a higher prevalence of DKD than older men. The albuminuric component of DKD was more frequently observed in men. Additionally, men were more likely to have adverse risk factors, including dyslipidemia, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glomerular filtration rate, which are factors involved in the mechanisms of DKD. In summary, the results indicate that: 1) women with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of developing a normoalbuminuric phenotype of diabetic kidney disease, while men are at a higher risk of developing an albuminuric phenotype of diabetic kidney disease leading to renal failure and end-stage renal disease; 2) gender differences are most noticeable among older adults and may have significant implications for the development of more effective diagnostic and treatment methods for diabetic kidney disease, tailored to individual needs.

SUICIDE IDEATION: GENDER AND VARIATION OF CORRELATES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NYANZA REGION, KENYA

The prevalence of suicide behavior among university students has been an issue of great concern because of its upward trend. This paper examines suicide ideation in relation to gender and the variation of correlates in different universities among university students in the Nyanza region, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine gender differences in relation to suicide ideation and how the correlates vary among individual universities. A correlational research design was employed. Four public universities and university counselors were selected using purposive sampling. Stratified sampling was thereafter employed to select undergraduate students based on their year of study. A sample size table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) was used to select 1477 undergraduate students randomly. Data collection instruments included: a student questionnaire, interview schedule and counseling records. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V20). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used and thereafter, quantitative data was analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings revealed gender differences in relation to suicide ideation. The findings further revealed that there is variation in sexual abuse, romantic breakup, COVID-19, alcohol addiction, HIV/AIDS, elections and cyber suicide experiences across the universities. However, there is no variation in financial crisis across universities. The study recommends that the university counseling department should equip female students with skills on how to adjust to campus lifestyle without engaging in activities which might end up stressing them. The university should also develop prevention strategies as well as organize follow-up for suicide survivors.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0010/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The impact of sex and gender on advanced stroke interventions and end-of-life outcomes after stroke

ObjectivesIn this review, we examine the impact of sex and gender on advanced stroke interventions and end-of-life outcomes after stroke and discuss the current theories, available evidence, and gaps in the literature. MethodsA scoping review of the literature was conducted to determine gender differences on advanced stroke interventions and end-of-life outcomes after stroke. The study team utilized PubMed to conduct a review of the literature and included research studies related to sex, gender, advanced stroke interventions, and end-of-life outcomes after stroke. The PRISMA process for conducting a scoping review was followed. ResultsThis review found that although evidence regarding gender differences in advanced stroke interventions and end-of-life care after stroke is disparate, some gender differences do indeed exist. Women are less likely to receive thrombectomy or alteplase, women are more likely to receive palliative care intervention, hospice, and women experience stroke mortality at higher rates. ConclusionsGender differences in end-of-life care after stroke are apparent with women experiencing lower rates of life sustaining interventions, and higher rates of mortality, palliative and hospice care. More research is needed to identify variables associated with or responsible for gender differences during advance interventions and end-of-life care after stroke.

Insomnia Tendency among Adolescent Smartphone Users: Gender Difference and Prevalence

The majority of Indonesian adolescents are smartphone users. Excessive use of smartphones, especially at night, can cause sleep difficulties known as insomnia. The study aims to determine gender difference and prevalence of insomnia tendency, pre-sleep activities, sleep duration, and difficulty sleeping among adolescent smartphone users. The cross-sectional design was used, involved 307 adolescents aged 13–18 years in Jabodetabek, Indonesia. Measures included an ISI questionnaire and information on gender, pre-sleep activities, sleep duration, and difficulty sleeping experience. Results showed that there is a significant difference (p 0,029) in insomnia tendency based on gender (female>male). Insomnia tendency is generally in the mild category with the prevalence of insomnia tendency 22,15% (moderate & severe). Respondents spent an average of 1 hour 22 minutes on the bed, using the internet via smartphone before asleep. Their sleep duration averaged 6,67 hours per night, 72% sleep less than 8 hours, and 51% feel don't get enough sleep. Furthermore, 58% reported difficulty sleeping, 24,43% experienced sleeping difficulties at least three nights per week, and 26,71% experienced sleeping difficulties for at least three months. Insomnia tendency is also generally found to increases with increasing frequency and duration of difficulty sleeping. These findings suggest that the insomnia tendency among adolescent smartphone users in Jabodetabek, Indonesia is high, especially compared with other countries. Therefore, it needs special attention from both academics and practitioners.

Gender differences in Russian adolescent mental health from 1999 to 2021.

This study examined secular trends in Russian adolescent mental health, the specific effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associations with country-level indicators. A cross-sectional survey of 12,882 adolescents aged 11-18 years was carried out between 1999 and 2021 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results showed an incline in girls' internalizing problems with a two-fold increase in the gender gap. There was a decline in girls' prosocial behavior and an incline in peer problems, with decreasing gender differences. Conduct problems showed a reversal of gender differences. Changes during the pandemic were not greater than over-time changes, with the exception of inclines in hyperactivity-inattention in both genders. Time trends in adolescent mental health were associated with over-time changes in national indicators of wealth and gender equality. The findings provide a strong basis for further research into the determinants of gender differences in adolescent mental health and for gender-specific interventions.

Gender Differences in Students’ Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Levels During Primary School Physical Education Lessons: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: We aimed to determine gender differences in students’ moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels measured in primary school by accelerometry. Methods: Our systematic search (PROSPERO: CRD42023422799) was developed using four electronic databases (from January 2013 to December 22, 2023). Our meta-analysis was conducted based on a random-effects model. Results: The search yielded 6255 manuscripts. Only 24 manuscripts were included in the systematic review, reporting 7550 participants. Finally, 19 manuscripts were meta-analyzed. Our analyses indicated that the mean percentages (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.40, p < .001) of MVPA in primary school physical education (PE) lessons were 28.75 ± 13.75 for boys and 25.99 ± 12.35 for girls. In addition, the mean minutes (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.27, p < .001) were 13.75 ± 9.91 for boys and 12.15 ± 8.88 for girls. Students failed to meet the 50% recommendation of MVPA lesson time. Conclusion: Boys spend significantly more time in MVPA than girls during PE lessons in primary school. The findings show the need for methodological changes in PE to reduce this gender gap.

Canine tooth dimorphism as an aid in establishing sex identity in the Kashmiri population

ABSTRACT Background: Teeth are an excellent source for genetic and forensic studies. Teeth exhibit minimum morphological change and are easy to inspect. Because of their resistance to fire and bacterial breakdown, they are useful for forensic identification. Tooth dimension can be employed to determine age and gender. “Sexual dimorphism” means distinctions in height, stature, and appearance between men and women that can be used in dental identification. Aim: With this background, a study was conducted to figure out canine tooth dimorphism as an aid in sex determination among the Kashmiri population. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was undertaken on the Kashmiri people. The casts were picked from the Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar’s Postgraduate Department of Orthodontics. A total of 100 casts were chosen (50 each from men and women). The mesiodistal diameter of maxillary and mandibular canines was measured with a digital vernier caliper. The measurements were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and statistical analysis was performed to determine gender differences. Results: Males and females have considerably varied maxillary and mandibular canine mesiodistal proportions. However, data regarding sexual dimorphism in mandibular right canines were fairly stable. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, males had greater mean mesiodistal dimensions than females.

Engineering Students’ Lifestyle in a Malaysian Public University during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Unhealthy lifestyle among university students is an apparent issue in their quality of life. The criticality of this issue is supplemented by reports that students’ lifestyle was severely impacted due to the pandemic and abrupt shift to online learning. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the lifestyle of engineering students at a Malaysian public university. This paper also seeks to determine gender differences in students’ lifestyles. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents via Google Forms to uncover their eating habits, physical activity, and sleeping habits. Data were collected for three months from four engineering programmes. Simple random sampling was employed, and 120 responses were obtained. The findings revealed that the students have been practising a moderately unhealthy lifestyle; possess average eating habits; are physically inactive, and do not attain sufficient sleep. This study also observed no significant differences between male and female students’ eating and sleeping habits. In contrast, a significant difference was reported between male and female students’ physical activities. The results also determined a moderate correlation between eating habits and sleeping habits and also between eating habits and physical activity. The findings recommend universities implement precautionary measures such as constructing relevant courses and health programmes to raise students’ awareness of the importance of a holistic lifestyle.

Attitudes towards exercise content on social media and the choice of fitness trainer

The aim of this study was to: a) investigate and determine gender differences towards factors influencing gym-goers’ choice of fitness trainer; and b) to identify and explain gender differences in gym-goers’ attitudes towards social media exercise contents (SMEC). For this purpose, a questionnaire was created. The study was conducted on a sample of 50 gym-goers (N1=13 male and N2=37 female), all attending a gym in Split, Croatia. The variable sample consisted of five groups of variables. Test-retest overlap was performed to determine the reliability (88.20%) of the questionnaire. The results showed that the affirmative attitudes were statistically significant in contrast to the non-affirmative attitudes (Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test, T=250.00, Z=3.60, p<0.001). In addition, male gym-goers generally have a significantly more affirmative attitude towards SMEC than female gym-goers (Mann-Whitney U-test, U=119.50, Z=–2.68, p=0.007). Furthermore, there are gender differences in choosing a fitness trainer based on their appearance; but there are no gender differences in the attitude towards the number of fitness trainers’ followers on social media as an indicator of trustworthiness. As this study was specifically concerned with the attitudes of gym-goers, future studies should focus on sports professionals and their attitudes toward this topic.

Ability to Solve Complex Social Problems of Prospective Teachers according to Gender and Computational Thinking

Entering the 21st century, computational thinking has become a basic skill that all students must have. This research aims to determine gender differences in learning outcomes to solve social problems, differences in students' levels of computational thinking by gender, and the influence of students' levels of computational thinking on learning outcomes in solving social problems. This research uses a descriptive verification method with a quantitative analysis approach. The number of research subjects was 256 students, who came from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Sebelas Maret University. The quantitative data analysis used is based on the results of computational thinking ability tests using the Wilcoxon Test. Further analysis of this research uses K-Means for clustering, while analysis of the relationship between variables uses Spearman's rho. This research shows that there is an influence of gender on learning outcomes for solving social problems, there is no significant relationship between students' level of computational thinking and gender, and there is a significant influence of students' level of computational thinking on learning outcomes for solving social problems. The results of this research show that the two factors above play a large role in influencing student learning outcomes. This capability works in synergy with the computational level of thinking. With the right efforts, growing computational thinking skills can improve students' ability to solve various learning problems.

Gender Differences in Social Embeddedness Determinants of Loneliness Among Moroccan and Turkish Older Migrants.

Moroccan and Turkish migrants residing in Northwestern Europe have high loneliness levels. This study examines gender differences in loneliness within this migrant population. The migrants have gender-segregated social roles at home and in public, which might lead to gender differences in what aspects of social relationships can explain variation in loneliness. Respondents are from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam with 446 first-generation Moroccan and Turkish migrants in the Netherlands, aged between 55 and 66 years. We use interaction effects to test for gender differences in determinants of loneliness. Men and women have a similar, moderate level of loneliness. Having a spouse and receiving care from children are more strongly related with lower loneliness levels in men than in women. Coethnic ties play an equally important role for men and women. In men, frequent mosque attendance is related with greater loneliness, but not in women. Family ties are more protective against loneliness for older men than for older women, possibly indicating that migrant women's expectations regarding family go above and beyond having a spouse, receiving intergenerational care, or having frequent contact with children. In addition, migrant older men's higher expectations regarding a public social life could make their social life in the Netherlands less fulfilling, resulting in greater loneliness.

Abstract 238: Gender Differences In Clinical Factors In Obese Ischemic Stroke Patients With A History Of Smoking

Introduction Clinical risk factors and co‐morbidities in obese male and female ischemic stroke patients with a history of smoking may contribute to differing stroke outcomes. The objective of this study is to determine gender differences in risk factors in obese ischemic stroke patients with a history of smoking. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 6‐year data from 5469 patients with an ischemic stroke event from a regional stroke center. A logistic regression model was used to predict clinical risk factors associated with male or female patients. Multicollinearity was assessed using variance inflation factors (VIFs), with values >5 suggestive of multicollinearity Results In the adjusted analysis, (OR = 1.806, 95% CI, 1.028–3.174, P =0.040*), a history of drugs and alcohol (OR = 2.873, 95% CI, 1.349–6.166, P =0.006), Serum Creatinine (OR = 4.724, 95% CI, 2.171–10.281, P<0.001), Age (OR = 1.024, 95% CI, 1.022–1.047, P=0.033), and systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.029, 95% CI, 1.011–1.047, P<0.002) were associated with males. Depression (OR = 0.432, 95% CI, 0.244–0.764, P<0.004), Previous TIA (OR = .319, 95% CI, 0.142–0.714, P<0.005), and higher levels of HDL (OR = 0.938, 95% CI, 0.915–0.962, P<0.001) were associated with female gender. Conclusion Gender differences were observed in the clinical factors and comorbidities within the population of AIS patients who were smoking and obese. Further studies should evaluate the effect of specific risk factors to develop specific strategies for the management of identified risk factors to improve the care of obese male and female ischemic stroke patients with a history of smoking.

Gender differences in psychosocial determinants of hand hygiene among physicians.

We investigated gender differences in psychosocial determinants that affect hand hygiene (HH) performance among physicians. The survey included a structured questionnaire with 7 parts: self-assessment of HH execution rate; knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding HH; internal and emotional motivation for better HH; barriers to HH; need for external reminders; preference for alcohol gel; and embarrassment due to supervision. The study was conducted across 4 academic referral hospitals in Korea. Physicians who worked at these hospitals were surveyed. The survey questionnaire was sent to 994 physicians of the hospitals in July 2018 via email or paper. Differences in psychosocial determinants of HH among physicians were analyzed by gender using an independent t test or the Fisher exact test. Of the 994 physicians, 201 (20.2%) responded to the survey. Among them, 129 (63.5%) were men. Male physicians identified 4 barriers as significant: time wasted on HH (P = .034); HH is not a habit (P = .004); often forgetting about HH situations (P = .002); and no disadvantage when I do not perform HH (P = .005). Female physicians identified pain and dryness of the hands as a significant obstacle (P = .010), and they had a higher tendency to feel uncomfortable when a fellow employee performed inadequate HH (P = .098). Among the respondents, 26.6% identified diversifying the types of hand sanitizers as their first choice for overcoming barriers to improving HH, followed by providing reminders (15.6%) and soap and paper towels in each hospital room (13.0%). A significant difference in the barriers to HH existed between male and female physicians. Promoting HH activities could help increase HH compliance.

Gender Differences in Post-Operative Human Skin.

Although the impact of age, gender, and obesity on the skin wound healing process has been extensively studied, the data related to gender differences in aspects of skin scarring are limited. The present study performed on abdominal human intact and scar skin focused on determining gender differences in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) accumulation, and Foxn1 expression as a part of the skin response to injury. Scar skin of men showed highly increased levels of COLLAGEN 1A1, COLLAGEN 6A3, and ELASTIN mRNA expression, the accumulation of thick collagen I-positive fibers, and the accumulation of α-SMA-positive cells in comparison to the scar skin of women. However, post-injured skin of women displayed an increase (in comparison to post-injured men's skin) in collagen III accumulation in the scar area. On the contrary, women's skin samples showed a tendency towards higher levels of adipogenic-related genes (PPARγ, FABP4, LEPTIN) than men, regardless of intact or scar skin. Intact skin of women showed six times higher levels of LEPTIN mRNA expression in comparison to men intact (p < 0.05), men post-injured (p < 0.05), or women post-injured scar (p < 0.05) skin. Higher levels of FOXN1 mRNA and protein were also detected in women than in men's skin. In conclusion, the present data confirm and extend (dWAT layer) the data related to the presence of differences between men and women in the skin, particularly in scar tissues, which may contribute to the more effective and gender-tailored improvement of skin care interventions.

Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Competencies and Entrepreneurial Intention Among South African University Students: A Gender Perspective

Promoting entrepreneurial activity is considered vital for stimulating job creation, innovation, and economic development. However, prior research emphasises the importance of entrepreneurs’ confidence in their capability or skills as a driver in their decision to launch a new venture, and in facilitating opportunity recognition on which the entrepreneurial process rests. Thus, success in launching, managing, and ensuring the survival and growth of a new venture is dependent on entrepreneurs’ competencies. Entrepreneurial competencies can be a differentiating factor between individuals with strong entrepreneurial intentions and those who have no entrepreneurial intentions. Despite the broad nature and variety of entrepreneurial competencies, there is some consensus among researchers that entrepreneurial competencies are learnable, and they can be developed through entrepreneurship education. Due to the realisation of their importance, there has been growing concerted research efforts directed at uncovering the nature and types, and the role of entrepreneurial competencies in achieving venture performance, and how they can be taught. Despite the fact that individuals can be taught to acquire entrepreneurial competencies, there is paucity of research on the effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial competencies. The objectives of the study were to determine gender differences in entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intention, test the relationship between gender and entrepreneurial competencies, to determine the effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intention, and the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intention. The study was conducted based on a quantitative survey in which 585 South African university students completed a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) by means of regression analysis, Mann-Whitney U test and descriptive statistics. Findings indicate that entrepreneurial competencies had a significant positive relationship with entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurship education had an insignificant relationship with entrepreneurial competencies, and no significant differences were found between entrepreneurial competencies of the respondents who had had entrepreneurship education and those who did not. The results further revealed that gender had a significant positive relationship with entrepreneurial competencies. Additionally, the results revealed significant gender differences in entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intention.

Gender Differences in Commuting: New Evidence from Spain

AbstractThis article examines the origins of the shorter commutes typically observed for women, a phenomenon that contributes to the poorer work outcomes they typically suffer. The analysis extends previous research on the gender gap in commuting by using econometric decomposition techniques that are novel in this field which, combined with a Spanish nationally representative survey that allows for an exhaustive control of the different elements identified in the literature as possible determinants of gender differences in commuting to work, allows quantifying the specific influence of a wide range of individual, family, territorial and work-related elements. The evidence obtained shows that the gender gap in commuting is not the result of the relative characteristics of women, but of the presence of a systematic pattern of lower mobility that emerges when women are compared with observationally similar men. Yet, this pattern of lower mobility is not observed for certain groups of women whose behavior in the labor market is generally more egalitarian, such as women with higher education, without family responsibilities or without a partner, which is consistent with the presence of cultural or social constraints that tend to limit women’s mobility.

Gender Based Analysis of Students Performance in Nigeria Certificate in Education (Nce) In Integrated Science

The study determined gender differences in the performance of Integrated Science Students in Kogi State College of Education Ankpa. From 2012-2015 academic sessions. The study is a correlational design and was guided by three research questions and one hypothesis. A total of 225 (141 females and 84 males) final year students who had completed the programme of study in Integrated science made up the population of the study. This population formed the purposive sample of the study. The instrument for data collection was the final academic board approved results of the college, mean scores and percentages were used to answer the research questions and Ƶ-test was used to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study among others are; there is a significant difference in the grade mean scores of the female and male students which are 48.7 and 47.7 respectively which implies that gender gap in performance in integrated science is disappearing. This is source of hope for the country and the world in general where gender disparity in performance is prominent.

Age and school-segment difference in daily sedentary behavior and physical activity among student (9-23 years): a cross-sectional accelerometer-based survey.

This study is cross-sectional in nature and aims to investigate and track sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity among student (aged 9-23 years) for seven consecutive days using an accelerometer. It also intends to analyze the current status of the daily activities of students using age and school-segment differences. The study recruits a total of 384 students [age: 14.41 ± 3.52 years; body mass index (BMI): 19.66 ± 3.67] from four schools out of which 180 (46.88%) were male. The study uses the means and standard deviations for statistical analysis and independent sample t-tests to determine gender differences. Analysis of covariance is used to determine whether or not daily SB and physical activity were statistically significant students according to gender and school segment followed by LSD post hoc tests for multiple comparisons. The results demonstrate that students were less physically active [moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA):60.4 ± 23.48 min/day] and more sedentary (598.47 ± 162.63 min/day). The sedentary time of the students displays an inverted U-trend, and their participation in MVPA exhibits a W-shape. After controlling for BMI, the results of ANCOVA point to a significant school-segment effect (p < 0.001) for SB (F = 83, ηp2 = 0.4) and physical activity (low-intensity physical activity: F = 108.61, ηp2 = 0.47; MPA: F = 401.65, ηp2 = 0.76; high-intensity physical activity: F = 88.43, ηp2 = 0.42; MVPA: F = 118.42, ηp2 = 0.49). Based on the behavioral characteristics of students across school segments, this study concluded that interventions targeting students' physical activity and physical health should be school segment specific. The results of the study provide a basis for future analysis of factors influencing students' physical activity behaviors across school segments and for proposing targeted intervention strategies for the future.

Socio-economic inequalities in body mass index among preschool children: do sports programs in early childhood education and care centers make a difference?

Overweight in childhood is considered to be one of the most serious public health challenges. Many studies have investigated individual-level determinants of children's body mass index (BMI), yet studies exploring determinants at the meso-level are sparse. The aim of our study was to examine how a sports focus at early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers moderates the effect of parental socio-economic position (SEP) on children's BMI. We used data from the German National Educational Panel Study and included 1,891 children (955 boys and 936 girls) from 224 ECEC centers in our analysis. Linear multilevel regressions were used to estimate the main effects of family SEP and the ECEC center sports focus, as well as their interaction, on children's BMI. All analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for age, migration background, number of siblings, and employment status of parents. Our analysis confirmed the wellknown health inequalities in childhood overweight with a social gradient toward a higher BMI for children from lower SEP families. An interactive effect between family SEP and ECEC center sports focus was found. Boys with low family SEP not attending a sports-focused ECEC center had the highest BMI among all boys. In contrast, boys with low family SEP attending a sports-focused ECEC center had the lowest BMI. For girls, no association regarding ECEC center focus or interactive effects emerged. Girls with a high SEP had the lowest BMI, independent of the ECEC center focus. We provided evidence for the gender-specific relevance of sports-focused ECEC centers for the prevention of overweight. Especially boys from low SEP families benefited from a sports focus, whereas for girls the family's SEP was more relevant. As a consequence, gender differences in determinants for BMI at different levels and their interaction should be considered in further research and preventive measures. Our research indicates that ECEC centers may decrease health inequalities by providing opportunities for physical activity.