Exploring the Link Between Physical Inactivity and Cancer: Insights from BRFSS Data
Location
D.P. Culp Center Ballroom
Start Date
4-5-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
4-5-2024 11:30 AM
Poster Number
40
Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor
Manik Ahuja
Faculty Sponsor's Department
Health Services Management and Policy
Competition Type
Competitive
Type
Poster Presentation
Presentation Category
Health
Abstract or Artist's Statement
TITLE: Exploring the Link Between Physical Inactivity and Cancer: Insights from BRFSS Data AUTHOR INFO McKenzie Dooley BS, Manik Ahuja PhD, MA Author Affiliations: College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, United States Background: Physical inactivity is a significant contributor to cancer risk, supported by extensive research. Gender differences within this relationship warrant investigation for tailored interventions. Utilizing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we aim to explore how gender influences the interplay between physical inactivity and cancer risk. Epidemiological studies reveal gender disparities in physical activity engagement and cancer susceptibility. The BRFSS dataset provides insights into gender-specific patterns of physical inactivity and cancer risk across diverse demographics and regions. Understanding the intersection of gender with physical inactivity and cancer risk is crucial for targeted interventions. Socio-cultural factors shape gender-specific behaviors toward physical activity, influencing cancer risk profiles. Insights from this investigation can inform interventions promoting active lifestyles and reducing cancer risk across genders. Addressing gender disparities in physical inactivity and cancer risk is essential for equitable health outcomes and effective public health strategies. Methods: We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a comprehensive survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2021. The BRFSS gathers information through telephone interviews with adults aged 18 years and older across the United States. The main independent variable of interest was physical inactivity, defined as no reported exercise in the past 30 days. The dependent variable was lifetime cancer diagnosis, dichotomized as yes or no. Covariates included demographic variables such as income, race, education, gender, and other potential confounders. We conducted logistic regression analysis to examine the association between physical inactivity and lifetime cancer diagnosis while controlling for demographic variables and potential confounders. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the strength and direction of associations. Results: We observed that 5.07% of respondents reported a lifetime cancer diagnosis, while 23.92% reported no exercise in the past 30 days. Those who reported no exercise in the past 30 days demonstrated an increased likelihood of lifetime cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.16 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.19), suggesting that physical inactivity may substantially contribute to cancer risk. Moreover, our investigation highlighted a positive association between low income and lifetime cancer diagnosis, with respondents from lower income brackets more likely to report cancer incidence compared to those with higher incomes (OR: 1.117, 95% CI: 1.080, 1.156). Descriptive analysis indicated that 5.07% of respondents reported lifetime cancer diagnosis, while 23.92% reported no exercise in the past 30 days. Conclusion: Our study reveals a significant link between physical inactivity and cancer risk using BRFSS data. Those with no recent exercise showed higher lifetime cancer likelihood, indicating the impact of physical activity on susceptibility. Moreover, low income was associated with increased cancer diagnoses, highlighting socioeconomic disparities. With 5.07% reporting cancer and 23.92% no recent exercise, urgent action is needed to address these issues. Targeted interventions promoting active lifestyles and equitable access to resources are essential for reducing cancer incidence and achieving equitable health outcomes.
Exploring the Link Between Physical Inactivity and Cancer: Insights from BRFSS Data
D.P. Culp Center Ballroom
TITLE: Exploring the Link Between Physical Inactivity and Cancer: Insights from BRFSS Data AUTHOR INFO McKenzie Dooley BS, Manik Ahuja PhD, MA Author Affiliations: College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, United States Background: Physical inactivity is a significant contributor to cancer risk, supported by extensive research. Gender differences within this relationship warrant investigation for tailored interventions. Utilizing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we aim to explore how gender influences the interplay between physical inactivity and cancer risk. Epidemiological studies reveal gender disparities in physical activity engagement and cancer susceptibility. The BRFSS dataset provides insights into gender-specific patterns of physical inactivity and cancer risk across diverse demographics and regions. Understanding the intersection of gender with physical inactivity and cancer risk is crucial for targeted interventions. Socio-cultural factors shape gender-specific behaviors toward physical activity, influencing cancer risk profiles. Insights from this investigation can inform interventions promoting active lifestyles and reducing cancer risk across genders. Addressing gender disparities in physical inactivity and cancer risk is essential for equitable health outcomes and effective public health strategies. Methods: We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a comprehensive survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2021. The BRFSS gathers information through telephone interviews with adults aged 18 years and older across the United States. The main independent variable of interest was physical inactivity, defined as no reported exercise in the past 30 days. The dependent variable was lifetime cancer diagnosis, dichotomized as yes or no. Covariates included demographic variables such as income, race, education, gender, and other potential confounders. We conducted logistic regression analysis to examine the association between physical inactivity and lifetime cancer diagnosis while controlling for demographic variables and potential confounders. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the strength and direction of associations. Results: We observed that 5.07% of respondents reported a lifetime cancer diagnosis, while 23.92% reported no exercise in the past 30 days. Those who reported no exercise in the past 30 days demonstrated an increased likelihood of lifetime cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.16 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.19), suggesting that physical inactivity may substantially contribute to cancer risk. Moreover, our investigation highlighted a positive association between low income and lifetime cancer diagnosis, with respondents from lower income brackets more likely to report cancer incidence compared to those with higher incomes (OR: 1.117, 95% CI: 1.080, 1.156). Descriptive analysis indicated that 5.07% of respondents reported lifetime cancer diagnosis, while 23.92% reported no exercise in the past 30 days. Conclusion: Our study reveals a significant link between physical inactivity and cancer risk using BRFSS data. Those with no recent exercise showed higher lifetime cancer likelihood, indicating the impact of physical activity on susceptibility. Moreover, low income was associated with increased cancer diagnoses, highlighting socioeconomic disparities. With 5.07% reporting cancer and 23.92% no recent exercise, urgent action is needed to address these issues. Targeted interventions promoting active lifestyles and equitable access to resources are essential for reducing cancer incidence and achieving equitable health outcomes.