The Association Between Demographic and Lifestyle Characteristics on Patient Cholesterol Profile

Purpose: Examine the association between demographic parameters, weight status and physical activity on patient cholesterol levels. Methods: Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used. Blood samples were used to evaluate LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (TG). Body mass index was evaluated from measured height and weight, with physical activity evaluated via accelerometry. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the demographic and lifestyle characteristics with cholesterol profile. Results: 2,129 U.S adults (≥ 20 yrs) provided data on the study variables and therefore constituted the analytic sample. Men, non-Hispanic whites (vs. non-Hispanic blacks), those with a lower income-to-povety level (lower SES), and obese (vs. normal weight) adults had a higher odds of having low HDL levels. Regarding LDL status, older adults, those not on cholesterol medication, and overweight and obese adults (vs. normal weight adults) had a higher odds of having high LDL levels. Regarding TG status, men, non-Hispanic whites (vs. non-Hispanic blacks), overweight and obese (vs. normal weight) adults, and those engaging in less light-intensity physical activity had a higher odd of having high TG levels. Conclusions: Demographic parameters and lifestyle characteristics play an important role on patient cholesterol profile.