Prevalence of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors by Metropolitan Status in 4th-, 8th-, and 11th-Grade Students in Texas, 2004-2005
2009

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Texas Students

Sample size: 23000 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Andrew E. Springer, Deanna M. Hoelscher, Steven H. Kelder, Brian Castrucci, Adriana Perez

Primary Institution: Michael & Susan Dell Center for Advancement of Healthy Living, University of Texas School of Public Health

Hypothesis

How do physical activity and sedentary behaviors vary by metropolitan status among 4th-, 8th-, and 11th-grade students in Texas?

Conclusion

Urban students, especially in higher grades, reported lower levels of physical activity compared to their suburban and rural peers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Urban 8th- and 11th-grade students reported the lowest prevalence of physical activity.
  • Suburban and rural students were more likely to participate in physical education classes.
  • Significant differences in physical activity behaviors were found by metropolitan status.

Takeaway

Kids in cities are less active than those in the suburbs or countryside, especially as they get older.

Methodology

Logistic regression analyses were conducted using data from the 2004-2005 School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) study.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reporting and lack of individual-level socioeconomic data.

Limitations

Self-reported physical activity may be overestimated, and individual-level data on socioeconomic status were not available.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 4th, 8th, and 11th graders from urban, suburban, and rural areas in Texas, with a diverse ethnic composition.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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