Abstract P213: Examining Sociodemographic Disparities in Physical Activity and Diabetes: Preliminary Findings From 2007-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in preventing diabetes, but few studies have examined whether sociodemographic factors were associated to PA, and PA and sociodemographic factors were related to diabetes. We aimed to 1) examine associations between sociodemographic factors and PA, and 2) investigate whether PA and sociodemographic are related to the prevalence of diabetes. Methods: Data came from the 2007-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a series of cross-sectional cohort studies (total sample=30,788, Female: 49.1%, mean age =49.6). Two binary outcomes included: 1) Meeting PA guidelines (≥500 MET minutes/week) and 2) diabetes (yes/no). Sociodemographic variables included age group (20-44 [referent], 45-64, 65-79), sex, race/ethnicity (White [referent], Black, Hispanic, and other adults), and poverty income ratio (low, middle, high-income [referent]). PA guideline was also considered as exposure for diabetes analysis. By accounting for the complex survey design, two weighted generalized Poisson models were used to conduct the analyses, adjusting for covariates. Results: Model 1 showed that participants aged 45-64 and 65-79 had 14% and 16% lower likelihood of meeting PA guidelines than those aged 20-44. Females had an 18 % lower likelihood of meeting PA guidelines than males. Furthermore, Black, Hispanic, and other racial/ethnic adults were 7%, 8%, and 12% less likely to meet the PA guidelines than White adults. Adults with low- and middle-income had 13% and 8% lower likelihood of meeting PA guidelines than those with high income. Model 2 showed that participants from 2017-2020 were 22% more likely to have diabetes (AOR = 1.22) than those from 2007-2008. Adults aged 45-64 and 65-79 years had a 4.35- and 7.36-times higher likelihood of having diabetes than those aged 20-44. Females had a 25% lower likelihood of having diabetes than males. Black, Hispanic, and other groups were 49%, 35%, and 73% more likely to have diabetes than White adults, respectively. Adults with low- and middle-income had a 52% and 32% higher likelihood of having diabetes than those with high income. Adults meeting PA guidelines had a 28% lower likelihood of having diabetes than those not meeting the PA guidelines. Conclusion: The study highlights persistent disparities in PA levels and diabetes across different sociodemographic groups within the U.S. population. Future interventions targeting diabetes should prioritize addressing these disparities among vulnerable populations who do not meet PA guidelines. Emphasis should be placed on promoting PA as an integral component of diabetes prevention.