The Relationship between Household Income and Physical Activity in Korea

[Purpose] Based on the relationship between obesity and physical activity, several recent studies have reported that level of exercise is associated with household income. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between household income and physical activity in Korea. [Subjects and Methods] In 2012, 9,000 Koreans (4,479 men and 4,521 women) aged 10–89 years participated in the Korean Survey of Citizens’ Sports Participation project. This survey provided us with information on the amount of physical activity undertaken each week and the household incomes of a nationally representative sample of respondents. The relationship between household income and physical activity was then evaluated by conducting multiple logistic regression analysis after controlling for participant age. [Results] The present findings show a strong relationship between household income and physical activity for Korean men and women. [Conclusion] Further well-designed studies should be performed in order to determine the individual effects of household income on physical activity.