Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Determinants of Sufficient Physical Activity Levels

Abstract

Introduction. It is important to identify racial/ethnic groups that may be less likely to achieve sufficient physical activity levels, and to address barriers to meeting physical activity requirements.

Methods. Cross-sectional data from the 2006-2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was used to compare self-reported sufficient physical activity among different racial/ethnic groups: non-Hispanic (NH) Whites, NH Blacks, NH Asians, and Hispanics. Sufficient physical activity was defined as ≥150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, ≥75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or ≥150 minutes per week of moderate and vigorous physical activity.

Results. The study sample consisted of 296,802 individuals, mean age ± standard error age 46.4 ± 0.10 years, 52% women, 70% NH White, 12% NH Black, 5% NH Asian, 14% Hispanic. The prevalence of sufficient physical activity in the overall population was 46%, while it was 48% among NH Whites, 39% among NH Blacks, 45% among NH Asians, and 40% among Hispanics. In multivariable-adjusted models (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval), NH Blacks (0.79; 0.64,0.97), NH Asians (0.72; 0.62,0.85) and Hispanics (0.71; 0.61,0.82) were significantly less likely to engage in sufficient physical activity compared with NH Whites. Older age, women, and low income were inversely associated with sufficient physical activity, while a college education or higher was directly associated with it.

Conclusions. NH Black, NH Asian, and Hispanic adults are less likely to engage in sufficient physical activity levels compared with NH Whites. It is important to address barriers to meeting physical activity thresholds to help achieve optimal cardiovascular health.