Exploring the multi-level correlates of sports participation among Chinese adults based on ecological models and hierarchical regression: evidence from national survey dataset.

Abstract

Background: The numerous benefits of adult participation in sports are widely acknowledged. However, the sports participation (SP) rate among Chinese adults remains low. Moreover, the correlates of SP across countries may differ significantly compared to the existing literature. In addition, as a form of health behavior, SP is shaped by multiple factors at both individual and environmental levels, as outlined by the ecological model. This study systematically incorporates variables across these levels to explore the multidimensional correlates of SP among Chinese adults.

Methods: This study utilized data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS), screening 1,613 valid samples. The dataset included the dependent variable-sport participation and 41 independent variables across seven dimensions ranging from the individual level to the environmental level. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, the univariate analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis.

Results: In the final model, eight variables were significantly associated with sport participation. At the individual physiological level, age (p < 0.001) and health issues influence (p < 0.001) were strongly and independently associated with SP. At the individual psychological level, health perception for society (p < 0.001) was significantly associated with SP. At the individual socioeconomic level, education (p < 0.001) was a significant factor. At the individual lifestyle level, watching competitions (p < 0.001) and friend socializing (p < 0.001) were strongly associated with SP. At the family environment level, no variables were significantly associated with SP; however, the variable children (p = 0.078) warrants caution. At the community environment level, the variable suitable for sports (p = 0.001) was significantly associated with SP. At the social environment level, the type of settlement (p < 0.001) also showed a significant association. The remaining variables demonstrated no significant relationship with sport participation.

Conclusion: This study highlights the multilayered factors influencing SP among Chinese adults, confirming that this behavior is shaped by influences spanning individual to environmental levels. The findings align with, yet differ from, those of many existing studies on sport participation. Notably, the most novel findings relate to age, which differs significantly from the results reported in much of the existing literature.