Gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in Australia between 2016 and 2023
Abstract Background The primary aim of this study was to examine the gender gap in specific types of leisure-time physical activity (including sport and active recreation) in Australians across the lifespan from 2016 to 2023. The secondary aim of this study was to examine trends in participation in...
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BMC
2025-08-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24011-5 |
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| author | Katherine B. Owen Philip J. Clare Rochelle Eime Ding Ding Binh Nguyen Mengyun Luo Tracy Nau Lindsey J. Reece Adrian Bauman |
| author_facet | Katherine B. Owen Philip J. Clare Rochelle Eime Ding Ding Binh Nguyen Mengyun Luo Tracy Nau Lindsey J. Reece Adrian Bauman |
| author_sort | Katherine B. Owen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The primary aim of this study was to examine the gender gap in specific types of leisure-time physical activity (including sport and active recreation) in Australians across the lifespan from 2016 to 2023. The secondary aim of this study was to examine trends in participation in specific types of leisure-time physical activity from 2016 to 2023. Methods This repeated cross-sectional study included sport and active recreation data from Ausplay (2016–2023) from a representative sample of participants aged five years and above in Australia. Gender inequalities in all leisure-time physical activity, active recreation, sport (team and individual), and walking were examined using prevalence ratios (relative inequalities) and mean differences (absolute differences). Results Among the 168,678 participants, the prevalence of all leisure-time physical activity, team sport, and walking remained consistent, while active recreation and individual sport participation increased between 2016 and 2023. The gender gap in each activity remained consistent across the eight years, with boys and men participating in higher levels of sport, especially team sport, while girls and women participating in higher levels of active recreation and walking. Conclusions Women and girls participate in lower levels of sport than men and boys across the eight years, possibly contributing to the gender gap in overall leisure-time physical activity levels. To address these disparities, there needs to be a comprehensive approach that creates inclusive, flexible, and enjoyable sporting environments, while also further promoting active recreation to cater to diverse needs encouraging long-term participation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4ac4d0434dda4a1a90ca6fa3a6250e9c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-4ac4d0434dda4a1a90ca6fa3a6250e9c2025-08-24T11:56:07ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-08-0125111410.1186/s12889-025-24011-5Gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in Australia between 2016 and 2023Katherine B. Owen0Philip J. Clare1Rochelle Eime2Ding Ding3Binh Nguyen4Mengyun Luo5Tracy Nau6Lindsey J. Reece7Adrian Bauman8Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Level 6, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of SydneySydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Level 6, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of SydneyInstitute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation UniversitySydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Level 6, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of SydneySydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Level 6, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of SydneySydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Level 6, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of SydneySydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Level 6, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of SydneyAustralian Capital Territory, Australian Sports CommissionSydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Level 6, the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of SydneyAbstract Background The primary aim of this study was to examine the gender gap in specific types of leisure-time physical activity (including sport and active recreation) in Australians across the lifespan from 2016 to 2023. The secondary aim of this study was to examine trends in participation in specific types of leisure-time physical activity from 2016 to 2023. Methods This repeated cross-sectional study included sport and active recreation data from Ausplay (2016–2023) from a representative sample of participants aged five years and above in Australia. Gender inequalities in all leisure-time physical activity, active recreation, sport (team and individual), and walking were examined using prevalence ratios (relative inequalities) and mean differences (absolute differences). Results Among the 168,678 participants, the prevalence of all leisure-time physical activity, team sport, and walking remained consistent, while active recreation and individual sport participation increased between 2016 and 2023. The gender gap in each activity remained consistent across the eight years, with boys and men participating in higher levels of sport, especially team sport, while girls and women participating in higher levels of active recreation and walking. Conclusions Women and girls participate in lower levels of sport than men and boys across the eight years, possibly contributing to the gender gap in overall leisure-time physical activity levels. To address these disparities, there needs to be a comprehensive approach that creates inclusive, flexible, and enjoyable sporting environments, while also further promoting active recreation to cater to diverse needs encouraging long-term participation.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24011-5Physical activityLeisure-time physical activitySportActive recreationGenderInequality |
| spellingShingle | Katherine B. Owen Philip J. Clare Rochelle Eime Ding Ding Binh Nguyen Mengyun Luo Tracy Nau Lindsey J. Reece Adrian Bauman Gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in Australia between 2016 and 2023 BMC Public Health Physical activity Leisure-time physical activity Sport Active recreation Gender Inequality |
| title | Gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in Australia between 2016 and 2023 |
| title_full | Gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in Australia between 2016 and 2023 |
| title_fullStr | Gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in Australia between 2016 and 2023 |
| title_full_unstemmed | Gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in Australia between 2016 and 2023 |
| title_short | Gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in Australia between 2016 and 2023 |
| title_sort | gender gap in physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan in australia between 2016 and 2023 |
| topic | Physical activity Leisure-time physical activity Sport Active recreation Gender Inequality |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24011-5 |
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