Associations Between Life Satisfaction And Physical Activity In People With Mobility Disability: BRFSS 2023

Life satisfaction (LS) is the cognitive evaluation of one’s life and has an important role in mental health. Often, people with mobility disabilities (PwMD) report lower subjective well-being than peers without disability. Physical activity (PA) has been utilized in this population to optimize mental health and quality of life outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine associations between LS and PA in PwMD. METHODS: Data from the combined land and cell phone 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey and optional Social Determinants and Health Equity module were analyzed. Respondents who indicated difficulty walking or climbing stairs were considered PwMD. LS was assessed by asking how satisfied the respondent was with their life in general. PA was assessed via self-report of weekly minutes and dichotomized as meeting or not meeting CDC-recommended PA levels. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess associations between LS and PA, adjusted for age, sex, race, BMI status, general health status, and history of cardiovascular complications, hypertension, COPD, depression, kidney disease, and diabetes. RESULTS: Among 28,153 participants (40.8% male, 62.2 ± 0.2 years, 60.2% Non-Hispanic White), 63.7.% reported not meeting recommended levels of PA and 70.9% reported feeling less than very satisfied with life. Compared to those who reported being very satisfied with life, those who reported being satisfied (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2-1.6), dissatisfied (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6-2.6), and very dissatisfied (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.8-3.2) were more likely to not meet CDC PA recommendations. Additionally, respondents that were female (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.4), older age (OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 1.0-1.0), underweight (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3-2.0), obese (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.5), identified as having fair or poor health (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.6-2.0), and with a history of COPD (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.0-1.4) were more likely to not meet CDC PA recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased LS is associated with increased likelihood of not meeting CDC PA recommendations in PwMD, even after adjustment for relevant psychological and physical health status. Assessing and addressing LS could lead to improved PA behavior and health in PwMD, especially those with greater risk factors.