Physical activity and leisure time in children. I: Relation to socioeconomic status
Mur de Frenne, L.; Fleta Zaragozano, J.; Garagorri Otero, J.M.; Moreno Aznar, L.; Bueno Sánchez, M.
Anales Espanoles de Pediatria 46(2): 119-125
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0302-4342 PMID: 9157798 Document Number: 480206
To assess physical activity and leisure time activities in relation to socioeconomic status. We have studied 1,078 boys and girls from 24 schools from areas of different geographical and socioeconomical status. Physical activity and leisure time activities were assessed by a questionnaire. We have observed that adolescents spend more time watching T.V. than doing physical activity (p = 0.0001). In general, boys prefer strong physical activity. Children from the lowest socioeconomic families did less physical activity than children from the highest socioeconomic families (p < or = 0.05). In girls, those with the lowest socioeconomic status spent the greatest amount of time watching T.V. (p = 0.0001). From our results, we deduce that we must improve physical activity habits in children, especially in those from the lowest socioeconomic families.