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International Journal of Public Health

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01-11-2015 | Review

Socioeconomic position during childhood and physical activity during adulthood: a systematic review

Authors: C. E. Juneau, T. Benmarhnia, A. A. Poulin, S. Côté, L. Potvin

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 7/2015

Abstract

Objectives

A growing body of evidence links socioeconomic position early in life and physical activity during adulthood. This systematic review aimed to summarize this evidence.

Methods

Medline and EMBASE were searched for studies that assessed socioeconomic position before age 18 years and physical activity at age ≥18 years. Studies were rated according to three key methodological quality criteria: (1) was childhood socioeconomic position assessed prospectively? (2) Was socioeconomic position during adulthood included in the statistical analysis? (3) Was a validated instrument used to measure of physical activity?

Results

Forty-two publications were included. Twenty-six (61.9 %) found a significant association between socioeconomic position early in life and physical activity during adulthood. Twenty-one studies met at least two methodological quality criteria. Among those, the proportion was higher: 15/21 (71.4 %). Associations were of weak to moderate strength, positive for physical activity during leisure time, and negative for transports and work.

Conclusions

The bulk of the evidence supports the notion that there is a life course association between socioeconomic position early in life and physical activity during adulthood. Studies using more rigorous methodology supported this conclusion more consistently.

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Title: Socioeconomic position during childhood and physical activity during adulthood: a systematic review
Authors: C. E. Juneau
T. Benmarhnia
A. A. Poulin
S. Côté
L. Potvin
Publication date: 01-11-2015
Publisher: Springer Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 7/2015
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-015-0710-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Socioeconomic position during childhood and physical activity during adulthood: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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