Sport activity in children aged 5 to 13 years in the Swiss Household Panel 2007 – levels and relationship with parents’ behaviour

Abstract

Data on physical activity in children is scarce in Switzerland,
though a better understanding of its levels and changes is of primary
concern for public health. Parent-proxy data from the Swiss
Household Panel survey 2007 were used to describe participation
of 5 to 13 year old children in sport clubs or similar associations.
Almost three quarters of boys and girls were members of such
organisations, with lower participation under about 8 years of age.
The most popular sports practiced among boys were football and
among girls dance and gymnastics. The parents’ socioeconomic
status, physical activity and sports club membership showed an
association with the child’s behaviour. Further exploration of these
relationships may provide a better understanding of possibilities
for intervention.