Black Seventh-Day Adventists’ Adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1995 and 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults

A lack of physical activity is associated with many chronic and metabolic diseases and decreased life expectancy. This study assessed the physical activity practices of Black Seventh-day Adventists to determine adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1995 and 2008 guidelines for adult physical activity. Data from 16,547 Black participants of the Adventist Health Study-2 prospective cohort were analyzed. Data about dietary practices, medication usage, and physical activity were collected and analyzed. Only 11.3% of Black Adventists met 1995 recommended guidelines and 22.8% met 2008 guidelines. Gender, age, educational level, and body mass index were associated with adherence to 1995 guidelines while gender, educational level, and body mass index were associated with adherence to 2008 guidelines. Compared to respondents 18-44 years (reference), 45-64 and 65+ years and older were most likely to adhere to 1995 guidelines (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.39) and (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.79) respectively. Most likely to adhere to 2008 guidelines were respondents aged 45-64 and 65+ years and older (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.22) and (OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.41) respectively, and those educated at bachelor’s level and higher (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.43), compared to grades K-12 (reference). Differences in 1995 and 2008 physical activity criteria resulted in differences in adherence, with greater adherence to the 2008 guidelines. Adults should be encouraged to participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly to meet recommended physical activity guidelines.