Factors in demand for physical education and health services for children in Kursk

Relevance. In modern society, where the number of children suffering from diseases related to insufficient physical activity is increasing every year, the relevance of studying the factors of demand for physical education and sports services for children is growing. It is important to understand which services are of interest to children and their parents, and what factors influence the choice of sports activities and sports organizations. In a regional context, studying the topic is an important step towards increasing children's physical activity and, consequently, improving their overall well-being.

The purpose is to identify the specifics of the factors influencing the demand for physical education, recreation and sports services for children in Kursk.

Objectives: to analyze the concept of physical education and recreation and sports services; to analyze the demand for physical education and recreation and sports services for children; to identify the main factors influencing the development of the market of physical education and recreation services; to study the preferences of parents when choosing physical education and recreation services and sports organizations for their children.

Methodology. The article uses basic general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization), as well as special sociological methods (correlation analysis, analysis of variance). The empirical basis of the study was the data of a sociological survey in the questionnaire format among parents of minor children (n=380) living in Kursk.

Results. The categories of physical education and recreation and sports services are analyzed; the features of physical education and recreation services in general and the characteristic features of childhood that determine the specifics of the provision of these services are highlighted. Based on our own empirical research, the criteria for choosing physical education and wellness services and their main demand factors have been laid out.

Conclusions. The main factors in demand for physical education and sports services for children are non-price (psychological and physiological health of the child, his desires and hobbies, safety in the classroom, qualifications of coaches). The price factor is important for parents, but to a somewhat lesser extent.

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