Background: Walking is a cheap, accessible means of meeting public health recommendations for physical activity. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the primary data source states use to target physical activity interventions. From 1984-2000, the BRFSS assessed recreational walking only; however in 2001 a revised BRFSS assesses both recreational and nonrecreational walking (i.e., for occupation or transportation). We examined the effect of this revision on estimated walking prevalence. Methods: From November 1999 through May 2000, a national sample (n=7529) of adults was contacted by random-digit-dialing. Participants were asked both the 2000 and 2001 BRFSS questions and also questioned about occupational activity. SUDAAN was used for analyses. Results: With the 2000 module, 43% of participants reported recreational walking, whereas with the 2001 module, 80% reported any walking (>10 continuous minutes weekly). Walking sufficient to meet public health recommendations (>30 minutes of physical activity 5 or more days per week) was reported by 11% responding to the 2000 module compared with 43% responding to the 2001 module. With the 2001 module, the prevalence of walking increased substantially with occupational activity level: walking sufficient to meet public health recommendations was reported by 37% of persons reporting "mostly sitting/standing" at work, 60% reporting "mostly walking", and 68% reporting "mostly heavy labor". Conclusions: Walking prevalence estimates increase dramatically when nonrecreational walking is included, particularly among persons in high-activity occupations. The 2001 BRFSS provides a revised baseline for walking prevalence that includes recreational and nonrecreational walking, thereby allowing states to effectively target physical activity interventions.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the features of revised physical activity questions used in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. 2.Describe current prevalence of walking among US adults 3.Recognize the limitations of physical activity surveillance
Keywords: Exercise, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.