J Prev Med Public Health.  2017 Jan;50(1):10-17. 10.3961/jpmph.16.080.

Meeting Recommended Levels of Physical Activity in Relation to Preventive Health Behavior and Health Status Among Adults

• Hart PD
• Benavidez
• Erickson J

• KMID: 2369708
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.16.080

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of meeting the recommended levels of physical activity (PA) with health status and preventive health behavior in adults.
METHODS
A total of 5630 adults 18 years of age or older were included in this study. PA was assessed using a series of questions that categorized activities based on their metabolic equivalent values and then categorized individuals based on the reported frequency and duration of such activities. Participants reporting 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity PA per week were considered to have met the PA guidelines. Multiple logistic regression was used to model the relationships between meeting PA guidelines and health status and preventive health behavior, while controlling for confounding variables.
RESULTS
Overall, 53.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51.9 to 55.9%) of adults reported meeting the recommended levels of PA. Among adults with good general health, 56.9% (95% CI, 54.7 to 59.1%) reported meeting the recommended levels of PA versus 43.1% (95% CI, 40.9 to 45.3%) who did not. Adults who met the PA guidelines were significantly more likely not to report high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, asthma, depression, or overweight. Furthermore, adults meeting the PA guidelines were significantly more likely to report having health insurance, consuming fruits daily, consuming vegetables daily, and not being a current cigarette smoker.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, we found meeting the current guidelines for PA to have a protective relationship with both health status and health behavior in adults. Health promotion programs should focus on strategies that help individuals meet the current guidelines of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity PA.

Keyword

Exercise; Quality of life; Health promotion; Health status; Population; Epidemiology

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Arthritis
Asthma
Cholesterol
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Depression
Epidemiology
Fruit
Health Behavior*
Health Promotion
Humans
Insurance, Health
Logistic Models
Metabolic Equivalent
Motor Activity*
Overweight
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Quality of Life
Tobacco Products
Vegetables
Cholesterol