Estimating physical activity trends among blacks in the United States through examination of four national surveys

Abstract

Physical activity is essential for overall good health and aids in the prevention and reduction of many diseases. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to foster appropriate levels of physical activity at various ages of development. Despite these guidelines and the known benefit to being physically active; physical activity levels are significantly lower in Blacks, contributing to higher prevalence of poor health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to look at four national datasets [Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)] to identify any patterns and trends that could be used to improve physical activity behavior within this population. These national datasets were used to estimate the proportion of Black adults and youth meeting national physical activity recommendations overall—stratified by age, gender and other demographic characteristics, to help identify patterns. The proportion of Black youth reporting regular physical activity ranged from 33% to 52%; and of Black adults, 27% to 52%. Physical activity was highest among men, younger age groups, highest education and income groups, and those who were employed or married. Trends were consistent across surveys. Among Black youth, physical activity decline with increasing grade level, and improvements over the past 10 years have been minimal. The percentage of Black adults achieving physical activity guidelines has improved slightly over the last ten years, but physical activity participation is still low and continues to decline with age. Trends identified from examining these national datasets can be used to inform development of physical activity interventions aimed at promoting and maintaining regular physical activity behavior among high risk subgroups across the life span.

Positive Outliers Among African American Women and the Factors Associated with Long-Term Physical Activity Maintenance

“…Most AA women were from high socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds and, therefore, our findings may be more generalizable to AA populations of similar economic status. Consistent with much of the literature, including a recent study that compiled physical activity patterns from four national datasets [54], AA women with higher education and/or income levels tend to be more physically active than their respective counterparts. It is clear that more work dedicated to understanding the factors associated with PA maintenance in AA positive outliers from lower economic backgrounds is needed.…”

Sensor‐measured physical activity is associated with decreased cardiovascular disease risk in African Americans

“…We used accelerometers to measure MVPA and then compared levels of MVPA minutes per day to participants’ CVD risk factors. Previous studies used self‐reported physical activity to investigate relationships with CVD risk among African American adult populations 11,12,15 . In addition, all health measures were recorded on‐site by trained technicians and none of the health measures assessed in this analysis were self‐reported, decreasing the potential for social desirability or recall bias in our data.…”

“…One prior study measured physical activity using accelerometry in African American adults, but did not compare these trends with CVD risk. 15 Another study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that incorporates accelerometry to measure physical activity; the sample was predominantly White, however, and only a few CVD risk factors were assessed. 16 Although another previous study investigated physical activity using accelerometry in African American adolescents, 17,18 studies among African American adults are lacking.…”

“…Preferred methodology for assessing physical activity is through accelerometry. One prior study measured physical activity using accelerometry in African American adults, but did not compare these trends with CVD risk 15 . Another study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that incorporates accelerometry to measure physical activity; the sample was predominantly White, however, and only a few CVD risk factors were assessed 16 .…”

Rationale and design of Smart Walk: A randomized controlled pilot trial of a smartphone-delivered physical activity and cardiometabolic risk reduction intervention for African American women

“…Despite its benefits, AA women engage in PA at levels well below national recommendations (i.e., 150 minutes/week of moderateintensity PA, 75 minutes of vigorous PA, or an equivalent combination of durations and intensities [23,24]). Recent self-report data from three national surveys (i.e., 2015 BRFSS, 2011-2014 NHANES, and 2014 NHIS) [25] indicated that only 27% to 40% of AA met national PA guidelines. Objectively-measured PA estimates from 2003-2004 NHANES [26] and other large cohort studies (i.e., REGARDS [27] and CARDIA [28]) reflect similar trends.…”