Emily Parker, MPH, Division Of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd Street, West Bank Office Building, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, 612-624-1573, parker@epi.umn.edu

PA is inversely associated with future risk of several diseases including coronary heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Changes in life such as parenting and marital status may influence changes in PA differently in men and women, due, for example, to differential time pressures and child care responsibilities. METHODS: Self-reported leisure time PA, parenting and marital status were measured at baseline (1985/86), and 2,5,7,10, and 15 years later among 2,318 young adult black and white men and women in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) Study who were childless at baseline. PA in arbitrary exercise units was estimated based on frequency and intensity. Parenting status was determined by the total number of children (biological and otherwise) living full-time with the participant. Repeated measures regression was used to predict PA at each follow-up exam. RESULTS: After adjusting for BMI, alcohol, smoking, education, job and marital status, becoming a parent was associated with a greater decrease in PA among women compared to men (Table). CONCLUSIONS: Having children is associated with a greater reduction in PA among women, than men. Time spent caring for children may help explain differences in leisure time PA among men and women.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to recognize the association between the impact of parenting and physical activity and how this association differs between men and women.

Keywords: Physical Activity,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.