Abstract 3501: Lower perceived colorectal cancer risk is associated with less aerobic physical activity in Latino adults

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Engaging in aerobic physical activity (PA) has been linked to reduced risk of adverse health outcomes, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite known benefits of engaging in aerobic PA, Latino adults have a low prevalence of aerobic PA compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Limited research has examined the relationship between perceived risk of CRC and aerobic PA among Latinos. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine perceived risk of CRC and aerobic PA among US Latino adults. METHODS: We used cross-sectional 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data on Latino participants ≥18 years of age (n=5,457). Perceived CRC risk was assessed based on self-reported measures to which participants responded whether they considered themselves at less than average risk, average risk, or higher than average risk for CRC. Aerobic PA was measured based on self-reported minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity per week, which were categorized into none (0 min/week), some aerobic PA (>0 min/week of activity but less than recommendation), and meeting the aerobic activity guideline (≥150 min of moderate-vigorous PA or ≥75 min of vigorous PA or 150 min of moderate PA/week). Multinomial logistic regression models that accounted for complex survey design of NHIS were used to estimate the associations between perceived risk of CRC (ref= less than average risk) with aerobic PA (ref= none). All models were adjusted for age, sex, education, insurance, and nativity. RESULTS: In adjusted models, compared with individuals who perceived themselves at higher than average risk, those who perceived themselves at less than average risk for CRC were significantly less likely to engage in some aerobic activity (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.63, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.40-0.99). In addition, those who perceived themselves at average risk for CRC were also significantly less likely to engage in some aerobic activity (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37-0.96). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that perceived CRC risk is associated with aerobic activity among Latino adults. CRC prevention efforts should consider the role of perception of CRC risk in the promotion of physical activity among Latinos. Citation Format: Pooja Agrawal, Jocelyn Yanez, Rosenda Murillo. Lower perceived colorectal cancer risk is associated with less aerobic physical activity in Latino adults [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3501.