Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is a determinant for health. Previous studies suggest that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with lower amount of PA, and a decline in PA is seen in the transition from adolescence into adulthood. The association between SES and PA has been investigated in a few Swedish studies, where Northern Sweden has been neglected. The aim of this study was to examine if socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in young adults between ages 16-25 in Northern Sweden.
Methods: Swedish young adults aged 16-25 (N=2,948), based on data from the Health on Equal Terms (HLV) questionnaire, were categorized into Non-regular LTPA or Regular LTPA. Associations between SES-variables (student/non-student, income, and education) and LTPA were tested using logistic regression.
Results: The majority (60%) were regularly physically active in their leisure time. Regular LTPA was associated with being a student/having internship (OR=1.63, 95% CI=1.36-1.96), belonging to higher income groups (quintile 4 OR=1,55, 95% CI=1.18-2.03; quintile 5 OR=2.23, 95% CI=1.69-2.92) and higher education: secondary education up to 2 years (OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.12-1.66), secondary education up to 3 years (OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.28-2.84) and post-secondary education less than 3 years (OR=2.08, 95% CI=1.27-3.41). No association between co-variates and LTPA was found.
Conclusion: Slight association was found between SES and LTPA in young adults aged 16-25 in Northern Sweden. The influence of SES among adolescents and young adults’ LTPA needs more attention due to its potential of becoming a growing public health issue.