When do socioeconomic inequalities in physical activity among women emerge across the lifespan?

Background: Little is known about when socioeconomic inequalities in physical activity among women emerge across the lifespan.

Purpose: To examine socioeconomic inequalities in physical activity among mid-age Australian women over a period of 21 years.

Methods: This prospective study used data from the 1946-51 Cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Physical activity was self-reported every three years from 1998 (age 47-52) to 2019 (age 68-73). Data from participants who responded to at least 7 out of 8 surveys were included in the analyses (N=7,104). Time/age changes in the proportion of participants who met the physical activity guidelines over 21 years were analysed according to the highest qualification reported at the baseline survey, as a proxy of socioeconomic position.

Results: In 1998, 57% of the total sample met the guidelines, with no marked differences according to the highest qualification reported [relative difference between women with no formal qualification and those with higher education: 1.07; 95%CI: 0.99-1.17]. Overall prevalence increased over to 65% in 2016, falling back to 59% in 2019. However, among women with no formal qualification, there was no significant change in the proportion of participants who met the guidelines, while there was an increase among those with higher education (from 55% in 2000 to 74% in 2018, and 68% in 2021). By 2021, the relative difference between the lowest and highest qualification groups had increased to 1.39 (95%CI: 1.28-1.51).

Conclusions: Socioeconomic inequalities play a crucial role in shaping physical activity trajectories in women during the transition from midlife to older age.

Practical implications: Public health policies have been ineffective in addressing physical inactivity among disadvantaged groups during this life stage, and they should specifically target those with the least advantage.

Funding: This research is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant (APP2008702).