Physical Activity Inequalities in Adolescents From Areas of Different Socioeconomic Status.

Background: Understanding socioeconomic and gender inequalities in physical inactivity during adolescence is a relevant public health issue to promote health in adult life. The aim of this qualitative study is to identify the factors that determine physical activity inequalities in adolescents.

Methods: We selected 2 educational centers in each of the 3 socioeconomic status areas-low, middle, and high-in the city of Madrid. We conducted a total of 18 semistructured interviews and 12 focus groups involving students, parents, teachers, and school principals. We followed the interpretative/constructivist paradigm within a case study design and grounded theory for the data analysis with the usage of ATLAS.ti 23 software.

Results: Results included 4 main themes: (1) access to off-school structured physical activities; (2) physical activity restrictions due to socioeconomic status; (3) unacknowledged privilege in upper socioeconomic status adolescents; and (4) gender physical activity inequalities.

Conclusion: Improving the health of adolescents and future adults through increased physical activity requires equity and gender perspectives.