Determinants of self-reported physically or mentally unhealthy days and activity limitation days among persons aged 18 years and over in the United States

Background:  Physical and mental health are closely connected measures of the overall health and well being of a population.

Methods: Data were analyzed from the 2012 BRFSS survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for determinants of physically or mentally unhealthy days and activity limitation days among persons aged 18 years and over in the U.S. We used a cutoff of >14 days vs. ≤14 days to measure physically or mentally unhealthy days and activity limitation days. Analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.3.

Results: Of the 475, 687 respondents, 60% were female; 43% were non-Hispanic White; 40% were between 21-30 years; and 30% lived in the South. After adjusting for socio-demographic and region of residence variables and comparing to those reporting ≤14 days physically or mentally unhealthy days, men (AOR= 1.23; 95% CI=1.18, 1.25), respondents aged ≥45 years, those with less than a college education, those with a <$75,000 annual household income, separated, and divorced respondents reported more physically or mentally unhealthy days and activity limitation days (>14 days) in the last 30 days. Respondents from the Black Belt region (a region of the Southern United States) had greater odds of more physically or mentally unhealthy days and activity limitation days than respondents from Northeast (AOR=1.15; 95% CI=1.10, 1.20).

Conclusion:  More physically or mentally unhealthy days were associated with socio-demographic factors and region of residence among persons aged ≥ 18 years in the United States.