The Contribution of Organised Leisure-Time Activities in Shaping Positive Community Health Practices among 13- and 15-Year-Old Adolescents

Results from the Health Behaviours in School-Aged Children Study in Italy

Bibliographic Data

ID15480447
AuthorsAlberto Borraccino (0000-0001-8235-8775, Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy), Giacomo Lazzeri (0000-0002-9095-7652, University of Siena), O Kakaa (0000-0001-9118-3604, Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy, corresponding author), Petr Baďura (0000-0003-0261-018X, Palacký University Olomouc), Petr Bad’ura (Institute of Active Lifestyle, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University, 77147 Olomouc, Czech Republic), Daniele Bottigliengo (0000-0002-8802-3834, University of Padua), Paola Dalmasso (0000-0001-6081-6966, Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy), Patrizia Lemma (0000-0002-1250-4316, Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy)
Year2020
Volume17
Issue18
Pages6637-6637
Publication date2020-09-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph17186637
PMID32932982
OpenAlexW3086054914
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited32

Background and Objective : Participation in organised out-of-school leisure-time activities (OLTAs) has been shown to have a positive impact on community health practices and to lessen inequities in social and environmental opportunities among youths. According to the social capital theory, OLTAs foster bridging ties that allow individuals to forge new, wider-ranging social connections, increasing social integration and opportunities for identity-related exploration. This study aimed to describe participation in different types of OLTAs and its association with perceived life satisfaction, physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and drunkenness in a representative sample of youths. Methods: A representative sample of 11-, 13- and 15-year-old students ( n = 47,799) was recruited throughout all Italian regions within the Italian 2013/2014 Health Behaviours in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. Data were collected according to the HBSC study protocol. Participants were compared on outcomes according to OLTA participation type (i.e., non-sport, sport-only, and mixed vs. no-OLTA). In accordance with the study sampling procedures, hierarchical logistic regression models were used. Results: Participation in OLTAs was significantly associated with high life satisfaction in all ages (sport-only: odds ratio (OR) = 1.67, 1.48 and 1.55 for 11- 13- and 15-year-olds; mixed: OR = 1.95, 1.60 and 1.45, respectively). Youths participating in OLTAs were more likely to meet physical activity recommendations and report lower rates of tobacco use and drunkenness. Conclusions: Participation in OLTAs showed a favourable impact on health behaviours. Thus, community organisations and clubs, whether supported by public investments, could contribute to the enhancement of beneficial health practices, by engaging and serving the community as a whole and further reducing inequities in both social and environmental opportunities

Social capital · Sociology · Medicine · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support · Gerontology