The Role of Socioeconomic Position in Adolescent Physical Activity

Project summary

Aims of the project– This PhD project aims to investigate inequalities in adolescent physical activity behaviour and interventions, and is separated into two sections. The first section aims to understand if and why physical activity is socio-economically patterned during adolescence. The second explores the effectiveness of interventions among socio- economically deprived adolescents.

Background– The relationship between physical activity and health during and beyond adolescence is well established. Despite this, many young people are insufficiently active to accrue the health benefits. Active adolescents are more likely to become active and healthy adults. Therefore, preventing an activity decline during adolescence is a major public health priority. However, there is a scarcity of evidence addressing whether physical activity differs by socioeconomic position during adolescence and the equity of current interventions. Research in this area could help develop our understanding of why physical activity interventions during adolescence appear ineffective.

Scale of the issue-Physical inactivity during adolescence is a widespread and large-scale issue. Globally, physical activity levels are low with more than 80% of 13-15 year olds not meeting the 60-minute per day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity guidelines. This is reflective of physical inactivity nationally, 21% of boys and 16% of girlsmeet minimum physical activity recommendations for their health.

Design and methods– The PhD applies a mixed-methods research design, where the most appropriate research design to answer the research questions of interest has been selected for each sub-project.

Public involvement– Do date, a young person’s board has been involved in the design of participant facing material and recruitment methods. Going forward, we will involve young people and other key stakeholders in the development of methods to communicate our research findings.

Dissemination– The research findings will be disseminated through a variety of methods. The findings will be communicated to the scientific community via publication in peer-reviewed journals, social media platforms such as twitter and through press releases. Whilst it is hoped these methods will reach beyond the scientific community, further action will be taken to engage with key stakeholders including policymakers and members of the public. To achieve this, our unit’s communications team will be consulted on appropriate dissemination methods.