Socioeconomic Factors, Movement Behavior Context, and Self-reported Physical and Mental Health in Adults Living in New York City

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of socioeconomic factors, movement behavior context, and self-reported physical and mental health in adults living in New York City. Methods: Participants were adults from the Physical Activity and Transit Survey (N = 3811; 53.2% female). The dependent variables were items asking about the number of days the participant experienced poor physical and mental health. Independent variables were socioeconomic factors and items asking about the frequency of physical activity (PA) within certain contexts and rest/sleep behaviors. Weighted multivariable negative binomial regression models examined the associations. Results: More days of bicycling transit (IRR = 0.79, p = .001) and higher levels of household income (IRR range = 0.44-0.66, p < .025) were associated with lower rates of poor physical health. More days of poor rest/sleep (IRR = 1.05, p < .001) and labor PA (IRR = 1.10, p < .001) were associated with higher rates of poor mental health, and higher household income (IRR range = 0.58-0.65, p < .01) were associated with a lower rate of poor mental health. Conclusions: The strength and direction of associations with self-reported health varied according to PA context. Poor rest/sleep and low household income were strongly associated with both poor physical and mental health.