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International Journal of Public Health

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Open Access 01-09-2019 | Original article

Are socio-economic inequalities in diet and physical activity a matter of social distinction? A cross-sectional study

Authors: Joost Oude Groeniger, Carlijn B. M. Kamphuis, Johan P. Mackenbach, Mariëlle A. Beenackers, Frank J. van Lenthe

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 7/2019

Abstract

Objectives

To explore whether ‘distinction’, a well-known mechanism that produces and reproduces social inequalities, can explain the socio-economic gradient in healthy diet and physical activity in contemporary obesogenic environments. If this is the case, we would expect a well-established indicator of distinction, ‘highbrow’ cultural participation, to be associated with a healthy diet and physical activity, while adjusting for education and income.

Methods

Data from participants (25–75 years) of the 2014 wave of the Dutch GLOBE study (N = 2812) were used to analyse the association between ‘highbrow’ cultural participation (e.g. annual frequency of visits to museums, ballet, concerts, theatre) and sports participation, leisure-time walking and cycling, and fruit and vegetable intake, adjusted for education, income and other confounders.

Results

Both highbrow cultural participation and healthy behaviours were more prevalent among high educational groups. Cultural participation was strongly associated with all health behaviours, even when adjusted for education and income.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that health behaviours, similar to highbrow cultural participation, are adopted as an expression of social distinction. This distinction mechanism may be an important determinant of health behaviour inequalities.

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Title: Are socio-economic inequalities in diet and physical activity a matter of social distinction? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Joost Oude Groeniger
Carlijn B. M. Kamphuis
Johan P. Mackenbach
Mariëlle A. Beenackers
Frank J. van Lenthe
Publication date: 01-09-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 7/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-019-01268-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Are socio-economic inequalities in diet and physical activity a matter of social distinction? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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