Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Exercise and Dietary Behaviors of Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Abstract

BACKGROUNDDifferences in health behaviors may be important contributors to racial/ethnic disparities in the health status of adults. Studies to date have not compared whether there are health behavior differences in exercise and dietary behaviors among middle-age and older adults in the four largest racial/ethnic categories.OBJECTIVETo investigate racial/ethnic differences in exercise and dietary behaviors of middle-aged and older adults.DESIGNWe used data from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine interactions between age and race/ethnicity in predicting two categories of health behaviors. Analyses were conducted adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, health insurance status, and healthcare utilization.PARTICIPANTSA population-based sample of 33,189 California adults 45 years old and older: 26,522 non-Hispanic whites, 1,686 African American/blacks, 2,565 Asian/Pacific Islanders (1,741 English-proficient; 824 limited English-proficient), and 2,416 Latinos (1,538 English-proficient; 878 limited English-proficient).MAIN MEASURESSelf-report leisure-time physical activity (moderate and vigorous) and daily consumption of fruits and vegetables.KEY RESULTSRacial/ethnic minorities generally engaged in less healthy exercise and dietary behaviors than whites, with differences more pronounced in middle adulthood. The disparities were the greatest among English-proficient minorities. Specifically, among middle-aged respondents, all racial/ethnic minorities engaged in less vigorous physical activity than whites (ORs range = 0.28 to 0.73; 95% CI range = 0.16-1.00). Additionally, middle-aged, English-proficient minorities engaged in less moderate physical activity compared to whites (ORs range =0.57 to 0.67; 95% CI range = 0.45-0.79). Furthermore, middle-aged, English-proficient Latinos had a poorer diet than whites (OR = 0.54; 0.39-0.75). Few significant racial/ethnic differences emerged in the exercise and dietary behaviors of older adults.CONCLUSIONSRacial/ethnic disparities in exercise and dietary behaviors are most notable among middle-aged, acculturated minorities. Results highlight the need to promote positive exercise and dietary behaviors during critical preventive ages, when racial/ethnic disparities are large and the potential to prevent chronic disease is great.

Physical activity and depressive symptoms in older adults

“…These findings are consistent with recent studies which found associations between sedentary behavior and increased age, 35 being African American, 31 low level of education, 34 increased BMI, 34,43 and smoking. 34 The Hispanic group was less sedentary compared to non-Hispanic whites.…”

Race/Ethnic and Sex Differences in the Association of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors

“…Similar to our findings, multiple other analyses have confirmed lower prevalence of physical activity and healthy diet among race/ethnic minorities 19, 20. In addition to differences in weight perception, other barriers may be present that negatively impact these and other healthy lifestyle practices in minority groups.…”

The Association of Duration of Residence in the United States with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among South Asian Immigrants

“…We used participants' ratings of how many and how often they ate fruits or vegetables to assess the healthfulness of their food choices. A variable was derived to indicate frequency of daily fruit and vegetable consumption [55]. As guidelines suggest a minimum of five daily servings of fruits and vegetables for adults [52,55,56], the variable representing frequency of fruits and vegetables consumed per day was dichotomized (0 = ate \5 times per day, 1 = ate five or more times per day).…”

“…A variable was derived to indicate frequency of daily fruit and vegetable consumption [55]. As guidelines suggest a minimum of five daily servings of fruits and vegetables for adults [52,55,56], the variable representing frequency of fruits and vegetables consumed per day was dichotomized (0 = ate \5 times per day, 1 = ate five or more times per day). Cardiovascular disease reduction guidelines also suggest B36 oz per week of sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda [52].…”