Swimming Toward Wellness: Socioeconomic Influences On Learning To Swim And Mental Health

PURPOSE: Swim training programs promote positive mental health outcomes such as improved mood and self-efficacy. Sociodemographic factors can influence accessibility to swim training programs or facilities. The association between the method in which youth learn to swim, socioeconomic conditions of their community, and mental health is not well understood. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the association between method of learning to swim with socioeconomic and mental health measures among female adolescents. METHODS: Participants completed a series of questionnaires: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global 25 v.1.1 anxiety and depressive symptom domains and method of learning to swim. Socioeconomic status was characterized by Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and Child Opportunity Index (COI) using participant zip code. Sociodemographic and mental health measures were compared between those who learned to swim from a family member vs formal lesson or swim team. RESULTS: Of 173 participants enrolled, 166 were included for analysis. Those who identified as Hispanic/Latinx were significantly more likely to learn to swim through a family member (29% vs 14%; p = 0.02). Those taught by a family member also had significantly higher (more disadvantage) ADI ratings (Figure 1.A) and lower (less opportunity) COI scores (Figure 1.B) compared to those who learned through formal swim lessons or swim team. No significant differences existed between groups for anxiety or depressive symptom scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the method in which participants learned to swim was associated with socioeconomic conditions. Those who learned to swim from a family member were more disadvantaged and had lower opportunity compared to those who had formal swim lessons. The method of learning to swim was not significantly associated with reported anxiety or depressive symptoms. Supported by: Denver Broncos Foundation