Deprivation

The information being displayed below are either significant differences between the demographic data, or significant changes since the previous wave. If you are looking for a more in-depth analysis, please see factsheets for wave 8 and 9.

Since Oct 23, there has been a 7-percentage-point increase in those from mid-deprivation areas [mid-deprivation areas] participating in a total of 30 minutes or more of physical activity 5+ days a week. Whilst those from the 30% most deprived areas [most deprived areas] and the 30% least deprived areas [least deprived areas] have stayed relatively static (19% [most deprived areas] vs. 28% [mid-deprivation areas] vs. 23% [least deprived areas]). 

Confidence in sporting settings fluctuates by level of deprivation, although some settings do not show significant differences. A couple of examples where significant differences have been found between 2 or more groups can be seen below:

• Gyms / health and fitness suites – 44% [most deprived areas] vs. 42% [mid-deprivations areas] vs. 35% [least deprived areas]
• Swimming pools – 51% vs. 47% vs. 43% 

There has been a significant drop (8-percentage-points) in confidence using swimming pools for those from the least deprived areas since Oct 23. Although, 29% of those from least deprived areas are confident using studios (used for yoga, aerobics, spinning, martial arts etc.), which is a 7-percentage-point increase since Oct 23. 

Over half (55%) of those from the most deprived areas agreed that they find exercise enjoyable and satisfying, that is a 7-percentage-point increase from Oct 23, whilst rates remained relatively similar for both those from mid-deprivation areas and the least deprived areas. 

At least half of all deprivation groups take part in physical activity to help manage their physical health, although those from mid-deprivation areas are significantly more likely to report doing so than those from the most deprived areas (50% vs. 57% vs. 52%). 

There has been a significant decrease (9-percentage-points) in those from the most deprived areas agreeing that they take part in physical activity to help manage their mental health since Oct 23, whilst there were no significant changes for the other deprivation groups (52% vs. 58% vs. 54%). 

38% of respondents from the most deprived areas agree that environment sustainability is an important factor for them when choosing what sport or physical activity to take part in, which is significantly more than those from the least deprived areas (26%), whilst 34% of those from mid-deprivation areas agreed. 

Those from the most deprived areas are also significantly more likely to agree that they could do more to reduce negative impact on the natural environment when taking part in sport or physical activity, compared to those living in mid-deprivation area and the least deprived areas (37% vs. 28% vs. 21%). 

Over half of all deprivation groups would like to do walking (either for leisure or travel) regularly in the future, although those from mid-deprivation areas and the least deprived areas are significantly more likely to than those from the most deprived areas (54% vs. 63 vs. 63%).