Abstract
BackgroundHealth-related behaviours such as physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, alcohol use, and inadequate sleep are significant predictors of adverse health outcomes. Health promotion strategies often focus on one behavior, though research suggests health-related behaviours tend to co-occur. The purpose of this study is to describe the relationships between health-related behaviours in the Canadian adult population.MethodsData from cycles 3 (2012–2013) and 4 (2014–2015) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey were pooled to describe health-related behaviours (current smoking status, high-risk alcohol use, fruit and vegetable intake, inadequate sleep, and physical activity) among adults according to sex, age group, household education, and income adequacy. Logistic regression was used to test for relationships between health-related behaviours.ResultsFindings indicated that adverse health-related behaviours co-occur frequently, with approximately half of Canadians reporting two or more adverse health-related behaviours. Overall, Canadian men were more likely to report adverse health-related behaviours compared to women, with the exception of inadequate sleep. Smoking status, fruit and vegetable intake, sleep and physical activity exhibited an income and education gradient. Sex-based patterns in grouping of behaviours were present such that adverse health-related behaviours were associated with current smoking among men and with high-risk alcohol use among women.ConclusionOur findings suggest that health-related behaviours should be considered in both isolation and combination when designing intervention strategies. Sex-specific patterns of how these behaviours co-occur must also be taken into account.
Highlights
Health-related behaviours such as physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, alcohol use, and inadequate sleep are significant predictors of adverse health outcomes
Household education and income adequacy were significantly associated with all healthrisk behaviours, with the exception of high-risk alcohol use
A higher proportion of Canadian men reported all adverse health-related behaviours compared to women, with the exception of inadequate sleep
Summary
Health-related behaviours such as physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, alcohol use, and inadequate sleep are significant predictors of adverse health outcomes. Health promotion strategies often focus on one behavior, though research suggests health-related behaviours tend to co-occur. Health-related behaviours such as physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, alcohol use, and sleeping habits are significant and, presumably, modifiable behavioural predictors of numerous health outcomes like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer [1]. Health promotion strategies often focus on isolated healthrelated behaviors, many health-related behaviours typically do not occur as separate behaviours, but co-occur together [2]. Smoking has been consistently associated with alcohol use at levels exceeding the national guidelines [6]; low intake of fruits and vegetables; significantly higher intakes of energy, fat, cholesterol, and alcohol; and lower intakes of fibre, polyunsaturated fats, and antioxidant vitamins [7].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
