Lifestyle Behaviors and Self-Rated Health: The Living for Health Program

BACKGROUND: Lack of adherence to dietary and physical activity guidelines has been linked to an increase in chronic diseases in the United States (US). The aim of this study was to assess the association of lifestyle behaviors with self-rated health (SRH). METHODS: This cross-sectional study used self-reported data from Living for Health Program (N = 1,701) which was conducted from 2008 to 2012 in 190 health fair events in South Florida, US. RESULTS: Significantly higher percent of females as compared to males were classified as obese (35.4% versus 27.0%), reported poor/fair SRH (23.4% versus 15.0%), and were less physically active (33.9% versus 25.4%). Adjusted logistic regression models indicated that both females and males were more likely to report poor/fair SRH if they consumed ≤2 servings of fruits and vegetables per day (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.30-3.54; OR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.12-7.35, resp.) and consumed mostly high fat foods (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.03-2.43; OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.67-2.43, resp.). The association of SRH with less physical activity was only significant in females (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.17-2.35). CONCLUSION: Gender differences in health behaviors should be considered in designing and monitoring lifestyle interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases.