“Sport is NOT a luxury.” The perceived impact of the cost-of-living crisis on sport and physical activity opportunities for children and adolescents in Northern Ireland (NI): A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background

Worldwide, it is of public health concern that the majority of children and adolescents fail to meet physical activity guidelines. Evidence shows a positive association between socioeconomic status (SES) and levels of physical activity. Socioeconomic health inequalities are persistent and the socioeconomic gap in physical activity may be exacerbated during periods of economic downturn such as the current cost-of-living crisis affecting many countries globally. This study aimed to understand the perceived impact of the cost-of-living crisis on access to sport and physical activity opportunities for children and adolescents.

Methods

Parents/guardians (aged > 18 years) resident in Northern Ireland (NI) were invited to participate in an online survey (March–June 2024) which assessed SES, parental support for physical activity and the perceived impact of the cost-of-living crisis on access to sport and physical activity opportunities for children and adolescents. Thematic (qualitative data) and statistical analysis (quantitative data) was undertaken.

Results

In total, 855 parents/guardians completed the survey. The majority of parents/guardians (85%) agreed that sport and physical activity were important for their children to manage stress, however, 30% were unable to afford the equipment and clothing that their children needed to participate in sport/physical activity. More than a third of parents/guardians (35%) had reduced spending on sport and physical activity for their children since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis. For 37% of parents/guardians, their children had missed out on sport/physical activity because of the costs involved and 24% of parents/guardians reported using credit or borrowing money to cover sport and physical activity costs. The perceived impact of the cost-of-living crisis on sport and physical activity opportunities for children varied by SES. A greater proportion of parents/guardians with lower SES reported reducing spending and borrowing money to cover sport/physical activity related costs.

Conclusions

Despite parental support for children’s sport and physical activity, cost was a barrier for many families. The ‘socioeconomic gap’ in physical activity and sports provision was evident and although establishing positive physical activity and sedentary behaviours during childhood is crucial, the cost-of-living crisis is likely to worsen the existing SES gap in physical activity and requires urgent intervention.

Trial registration

N/A.