Socio-economic differences in CVD and physical activity: stereotypes and reality

Macintyre, S. and Mutrie, N. (2004) Socio-economic differences in CVD and physical activity: stereotypes and reality. Journal for the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, 124(2), pp. 66-69.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is patterned by socio-economic status, being more common in lower social classes. Since physical inactivity is a risk factor for CVD it might be assumed that it is more common in lower social classes. We examine major recent UK population surveys and show that this assumption is incorrect; although higher social class adults engage in more formal sports activities, they are less likely to engage in other (e.g. occupational) activities. Lower social class children are more likely to engage in sports and active play. We also show that although Scotland has higher rates of CVD than England, it does not have higher prevalences of all CVD risk factors.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Macintyre, Professor Sally
• Authors: Macintyre, S., and Mutrie, N.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Journal for the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health
• ISSN: 1476-9042