Disparities in self-reported physically unhealthy days among persons 18 years and over in the United States: Findings from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

Background: It is estimated that 41 million American adults over 18 years of age experience mental or physical impairment. We assessed factors associated with self-reported recent physically unhealthy days among persons 18 years and over in the United States.

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 factors associated with recent physically unhealthy days. We used a cutoff of >14 days vs. ≤14 days to measure physically unhealthy days. Analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.2.

Results: Of the 474,124 respondents, 60% were female; 43% were non-Hispanic White; 40% were between 24-64 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 unhealthy days, men (AOR= 1.20; 95% CI=1.16, 1.23) 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 unhealthy 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 unhealthy days than respondents from Northeast (AOR=1.18; 95% CI=1.14, 1.22).

Conclusion:  Physically unhealthy days are associated with socio-demographic factors and region of residence among persons aged ≥ 18 years in the United States. Health policies should focus on at risk populations to improve their situations and avert more serious consequences.