Disparities in children's sports participation and food advertising exposure in amateur sports settings in Canada.

This study examined social disparities in sports team participation and self-reported exposure to food advertising in amateur sports settings in Canada and examined differences in exposure between Quebec (where commercial advertising directed to children under 13 years, including sponsorship, is restricted) and other provinces (where there are no restrictions). Children aged 10-17 years (n = 3672) completed a cross-sectional online survey in 2019 and answered questions on sports team participation and exposure to food advertising on signs at their sporting events and on their sports equipment. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine differences among socio-demographic subgroups and policy environments. Sports team participation was reported by 39.5% of children, with male children and those who perceived their family's income as adequate being more likely to report this. In Quebec, 30.5% and 33.9% of children aged 10-12 and 13-17 years who play sports, respectively, reported exposure to food advertising on signs and/or sports equipment compared with 44.8% and 40.0% in other provinces. Male children were more likely to report exposure on signs and children who perceived their family's income as inadequate were more likely to report exposure on sports equipment. Children outside Quebec were more likely to report exposure on both signs (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.84) and sports equipment (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.09). Overall, many children in Canada are exposed to food advertising in amateur sports settings with some subpopulations being more likely exposed. Despite Quebec's restrictions, children under 13 years in the province still reported exposure to food advertising. More research is needed to assess the effectiveness of Quebec's law.