Physical Activity Inequalities in Adolescents From Areas of Different Socioeconomic Status.

BACKGROUND

Understanding socioeconomic and gender inequalities in physical inactivity during adolescence is a relevant public health issue to promote health in adult life. The aim of this qualitative study is to identify the factors that determine physical activity inequalities in adolescents.

METHODS

We selected 2 educational centers in each of the 3 socioeconomic status areas-low, middle, and high-in the city of Madrid. We conducted a total of 18 semistructured interviews and 12 focus groups involving students, parents, teachers, and school principals. We followed the interpretative/constructivist paradigm within a case study design and grounded theory for the data analysis with the usage of ATLAS.ti 23 software.

RESULTS

Results included 4 main themes: (1) access to off-school structured physical activities; (2) physical activity restrictions due to socioeconomic status; (3) unacknowledged privilege in upper socioeconomic status adolescents; and (4) gender physical activity inequalities.

CONCLUSION

Improving the health of adolescents and future adults through increased physical activity requires equity and gender perspectives.