Sociodemographic correlates of physical activity and sport among adults in Germany: 1997–2018

Abu-Omar K, Messing S, Sarshar M, Gelius P, Ferschl S, Finger J, Bauman A (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research Springer

DOI: 10.1007/s12662-021-00714-w

Abstract

Introduction
Promoting physical activity (PA) is a key strategy to prevent noncommunicable diseases worldwide. In order to monitor physical activity levels in Germany, several large-scale studies have reported on prevalence rates and correlates. However, a comprehensive analysis of correlates of PA over time is currently lacking for Germany.

Methods
For the analysis, 13 national cross-sectional data sets were utilized. Data analysis was restricted to respondents aged 18 and older. In a first step, data sets were kept separate in order to explore social gradients of PA and sport. In the second step, data sets were pooled, demographic factors harmonized and binary logistic regressions were conducted.

Results
Regarding sports participation, different data sets indicate comparable social gradients. People with a higher age, lower income, lower levels of education, or a migrant background consistently have a higher risk of not engaging in sports. Compared to sports participation, social gradients are less pronounced for engaging in vigorous PA. Higher age, lower education, and lower income are also markers for an increased risk of not engaging in vigorous PA.

Discussion
The study confirms that factors of age, income, education and migrant background continue to contribute to differentials in sport and vigorous PA participation in Germany. For policy-making, this implies that PA promotion should focus on systems-based actions that might reduce population-wide inequalities. Future research might focus on pooling single studies with smaller samples in order to investigate PA and sports participation in specific disadvantaged target groups.

Authors with CRIS profile

Karim Abu-Omar Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Sven Messing Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Mustafa Sarshar Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Peter Gelius Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Susanne Ferschl Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit

Involved external institutions

Gesundheitsamt Berlin DE Germany (DE) University of Sydney (USYD) AU Australia (AU)

How to cite

APA:

Abu-Omar, K., Messing, S., Sarshar, M., Gelius, P., Ferschl, S., Finger, J., & Bauman, A. (2021). Sociodemographic correlates of physical activity and sport among adults in Germany: 1997–2018. German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-021-00714-w

MLA:

Abu-Omar, Karim, et al. "Sociodemographic correlates of physical activity and sport among adults in Germany: 1997–2018." German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research (2021).

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