Racial Disparities In Sports Participation Among Youth With Disabilities: Analysis From The 2021-2022 National Survey Of Children’s Health

INTRODUCTION: Disparities in sports participation can impact health outcomes, social belonging, and long-term wellness, especially among disabled youth who may face additional unique barriers. However, limited studies examine the effect of race on sport participation within this group. Understanding factors in relation to race and sports participation among disabled youth provides insight into broader issues of health equity and social inclusion. PURPOSE: To examine the impact of race (White vs. non-White) on sports participation among youth aged 6-17 with disabilities in the US. METHODS: Using the 2021-2022 National Survey of Children’s Health data, this study analyzed responses for 8,862 disabled youths as reported by parental indication of difficulty in concentration, mobility, self-care, or sensory impairments. Sports participation was determined by parental response of their child’s involvement in team sports or lessons within the past 12 months. Participants were classified as White and non-White. If parents reported their child as being black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, multiracial, and/or other races, they were classified as non-White. Adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the association between race (White vs. non-White) and sports participation, along with covariates: age, sex, body mass index, socioeconomic status, education level, daily activity limitations, and presence of community recreation centers. RESULTS: Among the participants, 51.18% were identified as non-White while 48.82% were White. When stratified by race, 32.17% (95% CI [28.75, 35.58]) of non-White disabled youth and 42.29% (95% CI [40.04, 44.53]) of White disabled youth reported participating in sports. Association was found between sport participation and race among disabled youth (F = 22.14, p < .05). Logistic regression found that White disabled youth had higher odds of sports participation compared to non-White disabled youth (OR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.00, 1.46]). CONCLUSION: White disabled youth are more likely to participate in sports than their non-White peers, indicating racial disparities in access to physical activity among disabled youth. Socioeconomic and environmental factors, including socioeconomic status and recreation center access, potentially contributed to the inequities.