Study Reveals Gender and Education Influence on Physical Activity Patterns in Sweden
New research highlights the impact of gender and education on physical activity in Sweden.
Key Points
- • Women and individuals with high school education engage in 30 minutes more low-intensity activity daily compared to men and university graduates.
- • These groups also spend approximately 30 minutes less in sedentary activities each day.
- • Individuals with four or more chronic diseases decreased their physical activity significantly.
- • Targeted health promotion initiatives are suggested for specific demographic groups based on the study's findings.
A recent study published by the Karolinska Institutet underscores significant disparities in physical activity and sedentary behaviors influenced by gender and educational attainment. The research analyzed data from 27,890 participants within the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) cohort, measuring their physical activity through accelerometers worn over a week.
Findings indicate that women and those with a high school education engage in 30 minutes more low-intensity physical activity daily compared to men and individuals with a university degree. Conversely, these groups spend around 30 minutes less per day in sedentary activities. Notably, individuals suffering from four or more chronic diseases often reduce their physical activity levels and exhibit increased sedentary behavior.
Lead author Callum Regan pointed out the implications for public health, suggesting that targeted initiatives could help men and those with higher education levels increase their activity, while individuals with chronic illnesses might benefit from additional support. The study highlights the need for differentiated health promotion strategies aimed at various demographic groups, such as workplace programs designed to enhance movement among men and educated individuals.
This comprehensive analysis not only reveals how gender and education influence physical activity levels but also sets the stage for future research that will further explore these dynamics, particularly among those with chronic diseases, to build effective health promotion strategies going forward.