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Proximity to Sports Facilities and Sports Participation for Adolescents in Germany

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  • Anne K Reimers
  • Matthias Wagner
  • Seraphim Alvanides
  • Andreas Steinmayr
  • Miriam Reiner
  • Steffen Schmidt
  • Alexander Woll

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the relationship between proximity to specific sports facilities and participation in the corresponding sports activities for adolescents in Germany. Methods: A sample of 1,768 adolescents aged 11–17 years old and living in 161 German communities was examined. Distances to the nearest sports facilities were calculated as an indicator of proximity to sports facilities using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Participation in specific leisure-time sports activities in sports clubs was assessed using a self-report questionnaire and individual-level socio-demographic variables were derived from a parent questionnaire. Community-level socio-demographics as covariates were selected from the INKAR database, in particular from indicators and maps on land development. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between proximity to the nearest sports facilities and participation in the corresponding sports activities. Results: The logisitic regression analyses showed that girls residing longer distances from the nearest gym were less likely to engage in indoor sports activities; a significant interaction between distances to gyms and level of urbanization was identified. Decomposition of the interaction term showed that for adolescent girls living in rural areas participation in indoor sports activities was positively associated with gym proximity. Proximity to tennis courts and indoor pools was not associated with participation in tennis or water sports, respectively. Conclusions: Improved proximity to gyms is likely to be more important for female adolescents living in rural areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne K Reimers & Matthias Wagner & Seraphim Alvanides & Andreas Steinmayr & Miriam Reiner & Steffen Schmidt & Alexander Woll, 2014. "Proximity to Sports Facilities and Sports Participation for Adolescents in Germany," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(3), pages 1-7, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0093059
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093059
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    Cited by:

    1. Cabane Charlotte & Lechner Michael, 2015. "Physical Activity of Adults: A Survey of Correlates, Determinants, and Effects," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 235(4-5), pages 376-402, August.
    2. Huston, Simon, 2020. "Bathing facilities and health phronesis: a preliminary English investigation," OSF Preprints 4atsk, Center for Open Science.
    3. Steckenleiter, Carina & Lechner, Michael & Pawlowski, Tim & Schüttoff, Ute, 2019. "Do local public expenditures on sports facilities affect sports participation in Germany?," Economics Working Paper Series 1905, University of St. Gallen, School of Economics and Political Science.

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