Association between parental multimorbidity and childhood physical activity

We know that reduced physical activity in childhood is associated with many health problems both in childhood and later in life (1-4). It has been shown that various factors, including socioeconomic status and ethnicity are linked to higher risk of reduced physical activity (5, 6). One factor that has not been investigated is whether multimorbidity in parents (defined as having two or more health conditions simultaneously) is linked to reduced physical activity in children. This study aims to use the Born in Bradford cohort data to find out if multimorbidity in mothers is associated with reduced physical activity in their children. It will also investigate how socioeconomic status and ethnicity affect this association. This is an important question because identifying reasons for reduced physical activity in children could help target programmes aimed at increasing physical activity towards those most in need, leading to long term health benefits.