Lifestyle Behaviors,Chronic Diseases,and Ratings of Health Between Black and White Adults with Pre-diabetes

Abstract

Purposes

The purposes of this study were to assess differences in lifestyle behaviors and other health-related factors between black and white adults with pre-diabetes and to identify predictors for lifestyle behaviors.

Methods

Using the 2007 and 2009 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual cross-sectional survey of randomly selected samples from each state, black (n = 1156) and white (n = 9539) adults with pre-diabetes were compared on lifestyle behaviors, general health practices, perceptions of health, chronic diseases, and access to care. Predictors for participating in regular physical activity and adequate intake of fruits and vegetables were identified for each racial and gender group using multiple regression procedures.

Results

Less than 40% of the adults with pre-diabetes participated in regular physical activity, and less than a quarter had adequate intake of fruits and vegetables; only 20% met the body weight recommendations. Compared to whites, blacks were more likely to be overweight/obese (86% vs 79%) and less likely to engage in regular physical activity (29% vs 40%). Except for adequate intake of fruits and vegetables, each racial and gender group had different predictors for regular physical activity. For black males, the predictors included impaired physical health and coronary heart disease/stroke. For black females, the predictors were younger age and routine checkup.

Conclusions

Significant disparities exist between blacks and whites in lifestyle behaviors and other health-related factors. Targeted intervention strategies are needed to motivate blacks to modify behaviors to prevent or delay the development of diabetes.