Intrinsic mechanisms underlying urban–rural disparities in physical activity and their changes in China

Evidence from China General Social Survey during 2010–2021

Bibliographic Data

ID22087777
AuthorsChengcheng Huang (0009-0000-2621-9076, Wuhan University of Science and Technology), Shanjun Bao (Wuhan Sports University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume14
Pages1782057-1782057
Publication date2026-04-17
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1782057
PMID42077980
OpenAlexW7154704463
LanguageEN
References cited23

With rapid socioeconomic development in China, significant disparities have emerged between urban and rural residents exhibit in terms of participation, frequency, and forms of physical activity. These differences reflect not only the uneven distribution of economic, cultural, and social resources between urban and rural areas, but also variations in health literacy and lifestyles across different social groups. Based on data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS) for 2010 and 2021, this study employs a multidimensional regression analysis model to compare differences in physical exercise between urban and rural residents in China at these two time points. It also explores in depth the multiple factors underlying these differences and their interactions. The results indicate that urban residents consistently engaged in physical activity more frequently than rural residents, although the frequency of physical activity for both urban and rural residents increased from 2010 to 2021. Income level, years of education, frequency of social interaction, and internet use are all significantly associated with physical activity frequency, with varying trends across time and region. The positive effects of education and internet use gradually strengthened in rural areas, while the influence of social interaction frequency weakened in urban areas. It is recommended that public health policies pay greater attention to rural areas to promote balanced development of physical activity between urban and rural residents, thereby narrowing the urban–rural gap and contributing to the national fitness campaign and the realization of a Healthy China

China · General Social Survey · Literacy · Physical activity · Public health · Rural area · Socioeconomic status · Survey data collection · Urbanization · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Physical Activity and Health · Urban Transport and Accessibility

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