Changes in Physical Inactivity Among US Adults Overall and by Sociodemographic Characteristics, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2020 Versus 2018

Prev Chronic Dis. 2023 Jul 27:20:E65. doi: 10.5888/pcd20.230012.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted people's work-life patterns and access to places to be physically active. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were analyzed to assess changes in self-reported leisure-time physical inactivity. The results showed that prevalence of inactivity among US adults decreased 0.7 percentage points (95% CI: -1.2 to -0.3), from 24.5% in 2018 to 23.8% in 2020, and the greatest decreases were observed among rural-dwelling women, rural-dwelling men, and non-Hispanic White women. These findings highlight a need to understand and address factors that lead to differential changes in leisure-time physical inactivity across subpopulations during public health emergencies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • Sedentary Behavior*