Association of Physical Activity With Income, Race/Ethnicity, and Sex Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States

Abstract

IMPORTANCE Physical activity in youth is associated with adult health. Understanding the prevalence and factors of moderate to vigorous physical activity among adolescents and young adults will guide public health and policy efforts. OBJECTIVES To describe the current patterns of physical activity and duration among adolescents and young adults and to identify the direction and magnitude of associations between physical activity and income, race/ethnicity, and sex. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional secondary data analysis used the self-reported physical activity data of adolescents and young adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 through 2016. This data set is a multistage probability sample of the noninstitutionalized US population and allows estimates that represent the US population. The years 2007 through 2016 were selected because of the consistent physical activity questions during this period. Adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 29 years who responded to the survey were included. Individuals who were underweight were excluded. Data analysis was performed from October 17, 2017, to April 27, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Self-reported physical activity duration and intensity. RESULTS Of the 9472 participants, 4771 (50.4%) were males, and the weighted mean age (range) was 20.6 (12-19) years. Across all demographic categories, females reported less physical activity than did their male counterparts. White adolescent males were most likely (89.3%; 95% CI, 86.5%-92.1%) and black females aged 18 to 24 years were least likely (45%; 95% CI, 39.0%-51.0%) to report any physical activity. Among those who were active, black males aged 18 to 24 years reported the longest duration of activity (77.9 minutes per day; 95% CI, 66.4-89.3 minutes per day), and black females aged 25 to 29 years reported the shortest duration of activity (33.2 minutes per day; 95% CI, 28.1-38.2 minutes per day). In adjusted models, younger age, white race, and higher income were associated with greater physical activity. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Female adolescents and young adults were not meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity, and substantial disparities by race and income levels were noted. These data highlight opportunities for targeted physical activity programming and policy efforts.

Feasibility and safety of a group physical activity program for youth with type 1 diabetes

“…Despite these limitations, this study was one of the few studies of MVPA in adolescents with type 1 diabetes guided by behavioral considerations and measuring changes in behavioral processes, and the only one to utilize a group approach including not only parents but also peers. Also, in previous studies, diverse samples of adolescents including sociodemographic groups at elevated risk of physical inactivity and overweight (low income, female gender, ethnic/racial minority) within the type 1 diabetes and general adolescent population have not been as well represented in the study samples as they were in the present study. Adolescents in homes facing economic challenges often live in disadvantaged neighborhoods (higher concentration of poverty, greater number of abandoned homes) leading to more limited opportunities for engagement in MVPA (eg, family activities, free play, and organized sports).…”

Adolescent Obesity: Diet Quality, Psychosocial Health, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

“…One potential explanation for this observation is the lack of physical activity opportunities for adolescents from some ethnic/racial minority groups and communities of lower SES. Analyses of NHAHES 2007-2016 data showed that adolescents from low-income families participated in less physical activity than more affluent adolescents [51]. This association may be the result of reduced access to parks, playgrounds, and exercise facilities, which is more prevalent in less advantaged communities [52]; a problem that is even more prevalent in communities where the population is predominantly of an ethnic/racial minority group [53].…”

Income-based inequalities in self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among adolescents in England and the United States: comparisons from two cross-sectional surveys

“…An adapted version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), developed by the WHO [19], was administered directly to 12-15 year-olds at the Mobile Examination Center (MEC), and during inhome interviews to 16-17 year-olds [20]. The GPAQ captures aerobic PA in three domains: recreational, active transportation, and work (e.g.…”