Objective Physical Activity Patterns of U.S. Adults by Educational Status

• In Event: 546 - Section on Sociology of Population Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 07. Education and Health

Abstract

Regular physical activity has been linked to extended longevity, improved quality of life through reduced disease burden, and promotion of psychological health. Despite these benefits, few U.S. adults are engaged in regular physical activity, with clear differences by educational categories.

Using objective accelerometer data from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES 2005-06) and building on fundamental cause and health lifestyles theories, we examine physical activity patterns by educational attainment. Specifically, we focus on multiple measures of physical activity including volume indicators, rate indicators, time indicators, and step-defined activity levels. We also examine how these measures vary over the course of a week and evaluate explanations for differences by socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and behavioral characteristics.

In 2005-2006, data indicate that U.S. adults averaged about 6,000 censored steps per day, with graded steps by educational status. While steps increase with educational status, sedentary time increases with increasing educational attainment. Approximately 55 percent of waking time is spent in sedentary behaviors for those without high school educations, compared to 58 percent of those with college education. Examination of step-defined activities show the widest margins of difference at the lowest levels of activity, with convergence at the upper end of activities. Separate analysis by weekends show that activity levels are generally lower on the weekends,particularly for lower educated individuals.

Multiple indicators of physical activity show variations in physical activity by educational categories. Importantly, these patterns do not always follow a clear SES-gradient. This work highlights the importance of social positions in targeting health promotion.

Authors

• Jarron M. Saint Onge, University of Kansas

• Kyle Chapman, University of Kansas