
Explaining sociodemographic differences in disengagement from sports in adolescence
Prins R.G., Kamphuis C.B.M., van Empelen P., Beenackers M.A., Brug J., Mackenbach J., Oenema A.
Submitted
Abstract
Purpose: To identify risk groups for disengagement from sports participation during adolescence and to explore which cognitive and environmental factors can explain socio-demographic differences in disengagement from sports.
Methods: Data were obtained from the ENvironmental Determinants of Obesity in Rotterdam SchoolchildrEn (ENDORSE) study, and 357 adolescents (mean age at baseline: 13 years) were eligible for analysis. Adolescents completed surveys in 2005/2006 (baseline) and 2007/2008 (follow-up). Sociodemographics (i.e. sex, ethnicity, education) and potential mediators (i.e. individual cognitions and neighbourhood perceptions) were assessed at baseline, and sports participation at baseline and follow-up. Two outcome variables were constructed: 1) disengaging vs. maintaining sports participation, and 2) ceasing compliance vs. maintaining compliance with the “fitnorm” (i.e. engaging in vigorous physical activity at least three times/week). Logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to identify socio-demographic differences and explanatory factors for differences in disengagement from sports in the two outcomes.
Results: Girls (OR:2.5, 95%CI:1.5;4.5) were more likely than boys to disengage from sports. Girls (OR:2.5, 95%CI:1.4;4.2)