Patterns and trajectories of inequality in physical activity from childhood to adolescence in Kazakhstan

Objective Sociodemographic differences in physical activity (PA) levels during the transition from childhood to adolescence, particularly in Central Asian countries, is lacking. In this study, we examine individual, family and environmental sociodemographic variables associated with PA among children and young adolescents in Kazakhstan. Study design Secondary data analyses of two nationally representative surveys administered by parents of children (aged 7–9 y) and self-report surveys (adolescents aged, 11–15 y) in cross-sectional designs. Methods The 2020 Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) and 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HSBC) studies were used. Differences in daily PA by individual (gender, grade, weight status), family (family composition, family employment, family wealth), and environment (school location) factors analysed through binary logistic regressions after adjusting for screen time. Results Among both children and adolescents, males were more physically active than females. Daily PA among children was positively associated with high family employment (OR = 1.23, CI = 1.03–1.48) or living in an urban location (OR = 0.58, CI = 0.49–0.70). Daily PA was associated with low family wealth, two-parent families (OR = 1.25 CI = 1.08–1.44) or living in a rural location (OR = 1.18 CI = 1.04–1.34) among adolescents. Conclusion In Kazakhstan, in the trajectory of children’s and adolescent’s PA levels, according to individual, family and environmental characteristics differed, suggesting a need for age-specific, targeted interventions to promote PA, as well as policies that promote programs in schools, communities and develop infrastructure for a physically active lifestyle.