Socioeconomic disparities in physical activity among Swedish women and trends over time – the population study of women in Gothenburg

Objective: To explore secular trends in physical activity in relation to socioeconomic position in middle-aged women, with focus on whether the social gaps have become wider, narrower, or remain unchanged. Design: Cohort comparisons between two representative samples of women, recruited in 1980–81 and 2004–05 as a part of the Population Study of Women in Gothenburg. Setting: Gothenburg, the second largest city of Sweden, with ≈ 450 000 inhabitants. Subjects: Population-based cohorts of 38- and 50-year-old women, invited in 1980–81 and 2004–05 to free health examinations. The study population in 1980 was n = 477, 38- and 50-year-old women born in 1930 (n = 355) and 1942 (n = 122), and in 2004 n = 500, 38- and 50-year- old women born in 1966 (n = 207) and 1954 (n = 293). Main outcome measure: Physical activity at work and leisure time. Socioeconomic position was defined based on socio-occupational group and level of education. Physical activity during work and leisure time was based on questionnaires. Results: On average 38- and 50-year-old women were more physically active at work and leisure time in 2004–05 compared to 1980–81; odds ratio (OR) for increase over time for physical activity at work for 38-year-olds: 2.59, (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65–4.07), and for 50-year-olds: OR 2.09 (1.52–2.88); OR for increase physical activity leisure time in 38-year-olds: 1.93 (1.25–2.98), and in 50-year-olds 2.04 (1.49–2.79). There were no significant differences between socioeconomic groups in physical activity levels changes over time. Conclusion: KEY POINTS: The gap in physical activity levels between socioeconomic groups seems to have remained stable for middle-aged women the last 25 years. • However, women were more physically active in 2004 at work and during leisure time, independent of socioeconomic position, compared to 1980. • It remains a great challenge to create structures that enable these behaviours for all social groups.