PHOM Indicator Profile Report of Physical activity: recommended aerobic activity among adults

Why Is This Important?

Physical activity protects independently against cardiovascular disease. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of some cancers, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Physical activity improves general physical and mental health. Regular physical activity helps to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. Regular physical activity is also known to improve effective disorders such as depression and anxiety, and increase quality of life and independent living among the elderly. ^1^[[br]] [[br]] ---- 1. CDC [https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/php/about/index.html Physical Activity: Why It Matters]

In 2019, Utah had a higher rate (55.2%) of meeting recommended amount of aerobic physical activity compared the U.S. rate (50.6%). Physical activity questions are generally asked in odd years only. Utah added the questions for the 2012 BRFSS. Changes to the questionnaire in 2012 may have had an effect on the 2012 rate for Utah.

Data Notes

In 2011, the BRFSS changed its methodology from a landline only sample and weighting based on post-stratification to a landline/cell phone sample and raking as the weighting methodology. Raking accounts for variables such as income, education, marital status, and home ownership during weighting and has the potential to more accurately reflect the population distribution. In 2016, Utah BRFSS modified its methodology for age adjustment for increased precision. With this change Utah is consistent with both the U.S. and other states using IBIS. Data has been updated from 2011 onward to reflect this change. Due to changes in both sampling and the wording of the questions in 2011, data for 2011 forward should not be compared to previous years. Age-adjusted to U.S. 2000 population. ** The 2021 BRFSS Questionnaire did not include questions related to aerobic activity so no data is available for this year.

Risk Factors

The percentage of persons who reported getting the recommended amount of physical activity is lower among adults with lower levels of income and education.

How Are We Doing?

The Healthy People 2030 U.S. target for adults who do enough aerobic physical activity for substantial health benefits is 52.9%. Utah has reported above this target since 2013.

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) Program plays a key role in improving the health of residents in the state of Utah. The program was formed in July 2013 (as Healthy Living through Environment, Policy, and Improved Clinical Care: EPICC), through a new funding opportunity from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This allowed for the merging of three previously existing programs: the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, and the Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity Program, as well as the addition of a school health program. HEAL was recently restructured as part of a strategic planning process. This new program model focuses on staff and partners working together to address the social determinants of health while advancing health equity and increasing policy, systems, and environmental changes. HEAL works: In schools:[[br]] HEAL encourages [https://heal.utah.gov/schools/ schools] to adopt the [https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/professional_development/e-learning/CSPAP/index.html/ Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program]. This framework encourages students to be physically active for 60 minutes a day through school, home, and community activities. HEAL also works with schools to apply the [https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/wscc/index.htm/ Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model], which emphasizes the role of the community in supporting academic and health success for students. In worksites:[[br]] HEAL offers training on developing worksite wellness programs called Work@Health. HEAL partners with local health departments to encourage worksites to complete the CDC Scorecard and participate in yearly health risk assessments for their employees. HEAL provides toolkits and other resources for employers interested in implementing wellness programs at [https://heal.utah.gov/worksite-wellness/ Worksite Wellness]. In communities:[[br]] HEAL receives federal funding to partner with worksites, community-based organizations, and local health departments to increase access to [https://heal.utah.gov/nutrition/ fresh fruits and vegetables] in worksite and community settings. HEAL also partners with local health departments to work with cities and/or counties within their jurisdictions to foster a built environment that encourages [https://heal.utah.gov/physical-activity/ physical activity]. In healthcare:[[br]] HEAL works with health care systems to establish community clinical linkages to support individuals [https://heal.utah.gov/diabetes/ at risk for or diagnosed with diabetes] or hypertension to engage in lifestyle change programs such as chronic disease self-management and diabetes prevention programs. In childcare:[[br]] HEAL works with state and local partners through the Childcare Obesity Prevention workgroup to implement policy and systems changes in early care and education across agencies statewide. Ten local health departments statewide have implemented the [https://heal.utah.gov/top-star-providers/ TOP Star Program], which aims to improve the nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding policies and environments to achieve best practices in childcare centers and homes.