Effects of childhood socio-economic conditions on educational differences in leisure-time physical activity.
BACKGROUND
Our purpose was to assess the direct and indirect contribution of childhood socio-economic conditions to educational differences in leisure-time physical activity among women and men.


METHODS
Population-based data were derived from a representative sample of Finns aged >or=30 years (N = 7112) as part of Health 2000 Survey. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied. Leisure-time physical activity was divided into inactivity, moderate and high activity.


RESULTS
Childhood socio-economic conditions had both a direct and indirect effect through adulthood socio-economic conditions on educational differences in leisure-time physical activity. The direct effect of childhood socio-economic conditions on educational differences in inactivity was stronger than its indirect effects through adulthood socio-economic conditions and other health behaviours and related factors. Adulthood socio-economic conditions had a considerable indirect effect on educational differences in leisure-time physical activity through other adulthood health behaviours and related factors among men.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to narrow educational differences in leisure-time physical activity, we should secure a childhood environment that enables a physically active lifestyle, support leisure-time physical activity in diverse occupational groups, guarantee equal physical activity possibilities across different educational careers and support those with insufficient material resources.
Mäkinen
Tomi
T
National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Living conditions, Health and Wellbeing Unit, Helsinki, Finland. tomi.makinen@thl.fi
Kestilä
Laura
L
Borodulin
Katja
K
Martelin
Tuija
T
Rahkonen
Ossi
O
Prättälä
Ritva
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004522:Educational Status; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000191:economics; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012923:Social Class; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires