Differences in physical activity participation among young adults in Aotearoa New Zealand

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine socio-demographic differences in physical activity (aerobic and muscle-strengthening) among young adults (18-24 years).MethodsData collected between 2017-2019 as a part of Sport New Zealand's Active NZ survey were examined using logistic regression analyses to determine the odds of participants meeting aerobic, muscle-strengthening and combined physical activity recommendations. Gender, ethnicity, employment/student status, disability status, and socio-economic deprivation were included as explanatory variables in analyses.ResultsThe proportion of young adults meeting recommendations varied according to physical activity type (aerobic:63.2%; strength:40.1%; combined:37.2%). Young adults not employed/studying had lower odds of meeting recommendations than those full-time employed (OR = 0.43 [0.34-0.54]). Physical activity levels differ according to gender and this intersects with ethnicity, employment/student status, and social deprivation. For example, the odds of Pasifika young adults meeting combined physical activity recommendations compared to Europeans were not different (OR = 0.95 [0.76-1.19]), but when stratified by gender the odds were significantly higher for men (OR = 1.55 [1.11-2.16]) and significantly lower for women (OR = 0.64 [0.47-0.89]. Similarly, young adults in high deprivation areas had lower odds of meeting combined physical activity recommendations than those in low deprivation areas (OR = 0.81 [0.68-0.95]), but this was mainly due to the difference among women (OR = 0.68 [0.54-0.85]) as there was no difference among men (OR = 0.97 [0.76-1.25]).ConclusionsIntersections between socio-demographic characteristics should be considered when promoting physical activity among young adults in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly young adults not employed/studying, and young women who live in deprived areas or identify as Asian or Pasifika. Tailored approaches according to activity type for each of these groups are required.

Automated summary

This study examined the socio-demographic differences in physical activity among young adults aged 18-24 in New Zealand. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the odds of meeting aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and combined physical activity recommendations. The results showed variations in physical activity levels based on gender, ethnicity, employment/student status, disability status, and socio-economic deprivation. It is important to consider these intersections when promoting physical activity, particularly for young adults not employed/studying and young women in deprived areas or from Asian or Pasifika backgrounds. Tailored approaches for each group according to activity type are needed.