Investigating how the household influences adult physical activity in a low-income community.

Abstract

We assessed the association between household structure and adult physical activity. Data were collected using Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) methodology to identify households (n=100) and administer a survey about household structure and health behaviors. Household structure was defined according to adults (>1 vs. 1) and children living in the household (>1 vs. 0). Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and converted to MET-minutes. In this study, adults from multi-adult households reported more MET-minutes of physical activity per week than adults from single adult households (p=0.049). Adults in multiple-adult households were twice as likely to meet recommendations compared to those from single-adult households (OR=2.41; 95% CI:1.05,5.52; p=0.04). Children in the household was not associated with adult physical activity. CASPER is a useful tool for identifying health behaviors in a local area. Future physical activity programs should focus on social support for adults.