The Interplay of Socioeconomic Status, Gender, and Age in Determining Physical Activity: Evidence from the China Family Panel Studies

Abstract

Abstract Background Physical activity plays an integral role in promoting health and well-being. Despite its importance, comprehensive studies exploring the influences of socio-demographic factors on physical activity in the Chinese context are relatively scarce. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status, using data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Methods Data was derived from the 2018 CFPS, resulting in a final sample size of 21,854 adults, with physical activity as the dependent variable. The International Socio-Economic Index of Occupational Status (ISEI) was used to gauge socioeconomic status. Other incorporated variables included gender, age, community type, marital status, physical health, and mental health. The study employed a logistic regression model considering the dichotomous nature of the dependent variable. Results Significant correlations were found between physical activity and gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Men were found to be more likely to engage in physical activity than women, and the likelihood of physical activity increased with age and socioeconomic status. Further, the influence of socioeconomic status on physical activity was found to vary significantly across different genders and age groups, with complex intersections noted among these factors. Conclusion The study underscores the need for public health interventions that are mindful of the complex interplay between gender, age, and socioeconomic status in influencing physical activity. Efforts to promote physical activity should focus on bridging the disparities arising from these socio-demographic factors, especially targeting women and individuals from lower socioeconomic classes. Future research should delve into the mechanisms through which these factors intersect and explore other potential influential elements to enhance our understanding of physical activity behavior.