Modifiable lifestyle behaviors and functional health in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk population study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between modifiable lifestyle behaviors and functional health.


METHODS
Population-based cross-sectional study in 16,678 men and women aged 40-79 years at baseline in 1993-1997 participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk cohort.


RESULTS
Smoking and physical inactivity were associated with poorer physical functional health, equivalent to being 7 years and 10-13 years older, respectively, and poorer mental functional health compared to non-smoking or being physically active. After adjusting for age, body mass index, social class, education, prevalent illness, and other lifestyles; men and women who currently smoke were more likely to report poor physical functional health compared to non-smokers {Odds Ratio (OR)=1.85 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49, 2.30) and 1.56 (1.30, 1.87)} and poor mental functional health {1.38 (1.12, 1.70); 1.77 (1.51, 2.07)}, respectively. The OR for good physical function in those who were physically active compared to inactive was 1.67 (1.41, 1.97) in men and 1.63 (1.39, 1.91) in women. Moderate alcohol consumption was positively associated with good physical and mental functional health.


CONCLUSIONS
Modifiable behavioral factors are associated with substantial differences in the observed age-related decline in physical functional health and the prevalence of those in good and poor functional health in the community.
Myint
Phyo K
PK
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. Pkyawmyint@aol.com
Surtees
Paul G
PG
Wainwright
Nicholas W J
NW
Wareham
Nicholas J
NJ
Bingham
Sheila A
SA
Luben
Robert N
RN
Welch
Ailsa A
AA
Smith
Richard D
RD
Harvey
Ian M
IM
Khaw
Kay-Tee
KT
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires