Physical inactivity among American single-female caregivers: An analysis of the 2020 behavioral risk factor surveillance system.

Background: Many adults in the United States do not reach the recommended levels of activity needed for health benefits. Single-female caregivers present a unique and vulnerable population that is often less active than their partnered peers or single-male caregivers. Objective: The primary objective of this cross-sectional investigation was to identify the prevalence of physical inactivity in single-family, female-led households and determine differences in personal factors and social characteristics between physically active and not physically active single-female caregivers. A secondary objective was to examine associations among the social characteristic variables and physical inactivity in single-female caregiver households. Finally, we examined the odds single-female caregivers who are physically inactive reported chronic health conditions. Design: Cross-sectional survey design. Methods: We used the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. Participants were selected based on pre-determined criteria for inclusion. Results: There was a 39.3% prevalence of physical inactivity among single-female caregivers in the sample. Single-female caregivers who were physically inactive had greater odds of having a history of multiple chronic health conditions. Conclusion: Healthcare providers and other community stakeholders should explore existing physical activity promotion strategies to increase physical activity in single-female caregivers. Future research should employ more rigorous, prospective research designs to determine if these chronic conditions and various social characteristics are caused by physical inactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Women's Health (17455057) is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)