[Social Differences in Physical Activity among Adolescents in Germany: Analyses Based on Information Concerning the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)]

Introduction: Energy consumption, i. e., the metabolic equivalent of task (MET), provides a precise assessment of physical activity (PA). Studies on social inequalities of PA have hardly used this possibility, however. Methods: The analyses are based on the 'Motorik-Modul (MoMo) of the KiGGS study (German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents) conducted between 2003 and 2006 (n=1 757; age group 11-17 years). PA has been assessed in 3 settings (sport club in school, other sport club, leisure time). 3 dependent variables were distinguished by combining the following criteria: at least 21 MET-hours per week, intensity between 3 and 6 METs, at least 7 hours a week. The main independent variables are: type of school and socioeconomic status (SES) of the parents. 'Two part models' have been used to assess social difference in PA among those who are physically active. Results: PA is much more common in the higher SES groups. Looking at the MET-hours, though, there are just little differences among those who are physically active (regressions coefficient for low vs. high SES: 1.15; 95% conf. interv. 0.99-1.33). Conclusion: Social differences can be seen mainly for the proportion of adolescents being physically active, not for the extent of PA among those who are physically active. Therefore, the central request should be to increase the proportion of adolescents performing any PA in the low SES group.

[Comparison of Health-related Behavior Patterns of Boys and Girls in Germany: Results of the MoMo Study]

AIM OF THE STUDY

For optimal health promotion in adolescents, it is important to know their typical behavior patterns. The aims of this study were to identify and compare sex-specific health-related behavior patterns of adolescents in Germany.

METHODS

The KiGGS Survey and the MoMo Study assessed the health behavior of 832 boys and 811 girls by means of a questionnaire. The indices physical activity, diet quality and media use were included in cluster analyses for boys and girls separately.

RESULTS

For each sex, 4 clusters with similar characteristics on the three included indices were identified. However, cluster size, level of the characteristics and correlates were different in boys and girls: fewer girls showed high activity levels. Overall, physical activity and media use were less pronounced in the behavior pattern of girls. There was a stronger association of behavior patterns with socio-economic status in girls. In boys, behavior patterns were significantly associated with prevalence of overweight.

CONCLUSIONS

The similar cluster solutions for boys and girls support the assumption that there are typical health-related behavior patterns among German adolescents. This finding might facilitate the precise definition of homogeneous target groups for health promotion programs. Furthermore, it seems that sex-specific foci should be set.