Differentiation of the sociodemographic factors associated with participation in Olympic aquatic and water sports: Cross-sectional analysis in children and youth: Sociodemographics in Aquatic and Water Sports

Natasa Zenic; Dean  Kontic; Jelena Rodek

doi:10.52165/kinsi.30.3.82-97

Authors

Natasa Zenic University of Split, Faculty of kinesiology, Croatia
Dean Kontic University of Dubrovnik
Jelena Rodek University of Split, Faculty of kinesiology, Croatia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52165/kinsi.30.3.82-97

Keywords:

child, adolescent, logistic models, family tradition, sports

Abstract

Aquatic and water sports are traditionally and historically important in regions located along sea coasts, but studies rarely have examined factors associated with involvement in those sports in children and youth. The aim of this study was to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with participation in Olympic aquatic and water sports among children and youth from coastal cities in Croatia. We observed 256 participants from coastal cities in southern Croatia (10-16 years of age; 101 girls) who were actively involved in Olympic water sports (i.e., rowing, sailing; n = 95, 24 girls) and Olympic aquatic sports (i.e., swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, n = 161, 77 girls). The study variables included sociodemographic indices (i.e., age, gender, familial tradition in a specific sport, parental education, and socioeconomic status), whereas participation in Olympic water vs. aquatic sports was observed as an outcome/criterion. Girls were more likely to be involved in Olympic aquatic sports than in Olympic water sports (Chi square = 12.73, p < 0.001), whereas familial tradition in aquatic sports was an important factor contributing to involvement in these sports among children (Chi square = 4.69, p = 0.03). Logistic regressions revealed strong associations between male gender (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-2.7), better socioeconomic status (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.9-2.6), and familial tradition in water sports (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3- 3.4) with involvement in Olympic water sports. Since involvement in sports should be based on a child’s interest and talent, by recognizing established connections, sport authorities can work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.

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