Little is known about ethnically diverse women’s physical activity, health and well-being in midlife during the transition to menopause when the risks of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis increase. This analysis describes, compares and relates physical activity, health risk indicators (body mass index, dietary fat intake, and cigarette smoking) and well-being (depression) of 346 menstruating women between 40 and 50 years living in the San Francisco Bay Area. The sample consists of 47% European American, 27% Mexican/ Central American, and 26% African American women. The Paffenbarger Physical Activity Survey was administered to assess physical activity. Body mass index was obtained from height and weight measurements. Dietary fat intake was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program questionnaire. Women were asked to respond to yes-no questions about cigarette smoking and their health. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptomatology. Findings reveal no statistical difference in physical activity, perceived exercise adequacy, dietary fat intake and smoking across ethnic groups. There was a statistical difference in mean metabolic equivalent, body mass index and depression across ethnic groups. There was a significant but weak association between physical activity and body mass index and dietary fat intake, but no significant association between physical activity and cigarette smoking, depression, or sociodemographics. Conclusions are that there is a need for improvement in the intensity level of physical activities in which perimenopausal women engage; some patterns of physical activity, health and well-being are universal; and other patterns appear to be influenced by ethnicity.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Health Risks, Ethnicity
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.