Trends In Physical Activity Knowledge And Predictors Related To Cancer Using Hints Data

Abstract

Studies within the field of cancer prevention have demonstrated that having accurate knowledge of cancer inducing behaviors is central to improving an individual's health. However, there are few studies that have focused on knowledge of physical activity in relation to reducing cancer. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate trends in physical activity knowledge and predictors related to cancer using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data. Furthermore, controlling for factors affecting differences in physical activity knowledge over time, predictors affecting these trends were examined. METHODS Data from the 2003, 2005, and 2007 administrations of HINTS were used to assess changes in physical activity knowledge in relation to cancer. Estimates of variables at each time point were calculated using survey weights, which accounted for various stages of sample selection. Furthermore, using replicate weights, jackknife standard errors were calculated to examine the variability of change between the years (Rizzo et al., 2008). Finally, controlling for multiple confounders, predictors affecting physical activity knowledge were identified using a weighted logistic regression. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2007, the prevalence of physical activity knowledge dropped significantly by 15.8% (SE=0.011) from 77.6% in 2003, 69.5% in 2005, and 61.8% in 2007. Demographic and cancer-related variables such as age (less than 40), low educational attainment, being unmarried, having low household income, poor physical health, and not seeking information about cancer, were characteristics describing adults demonstrating a significant downward trend in cancer prevention and physical activity knowledge. Controlling for these factors together, it was found that respondents that didi not seek information about cancer (OR=1.4; 95% CI=1.2, 1.5) and adults with low educational status (OR=1.7; 95% CI=1.5, 1.9) knew less about physical activity knowledge and the likelihood of getting cancer than adults that did. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of physical activity knowledge dropped significantly between 2003 and 2007. Adults that were less likely to seek information about cancer and that had low educational attainment also lacked knowledge pertaining to physical activity and cancer.