Sedentary and Physically Active Behavior Patterns Among Low-Income African-American and White Adults Living in the Southeastern United States

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059975
• Publication Date: 2013-04-04T03:29:18Z
• Authors: Sarah S. Cohen; Charles E. Matthews; Lisa B. Signorello; David G. Schlundt; William J. Blot; Maciej S. Buchowski
• Keywords: Sitting; Sedentary Behavior; Screen Time; Sedentary lifestyle

Increased sedentary behavior and lack of physical activity are associated with increased risk for many chronic diseases. Differences in leisure-time between African American white adults have been suggested to partially explain racial disparities disease outcomes, but expanding the definition include household occupational activities may reduce or even eliminate differences total activity. The objective this study was describe patterns active behaviors black examine these across demographic measures. Sedentary physically were obtained from a validated questionnaire 23,021 men, 9,899 32,214 women, 15,425 women (age 40–79) at enrollment into Southern Community Cohort Study. Descriptive statistics time; light, moderate, vigorous household/occupational activity; sports/exercise; meeting current recommendations via sports/exercise examined each race-sex group. Adjusted means calculated using multiple linear regression models Study participants spent approximately 60% waking time behaviors. Blacks reported more television viewing than whites (45 minutes females, 15 males), when sitting expressed as proportion overall awake time, minimal found. Patterns similar all race/sex groups. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines Americans followed by 16% 25% men independent race. Overall, majority their daily less one-fourth guidelines These results indicate that public health campaigns should focus on both reducing increasing adult US populations.