Physical activity advice to manage chronic conditions for adults with arthritis or hypertension, 2007.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the prevalence and characteristics of persons with arthritis or hypertension who received advice from their health-care professional to manage their condition.


METHODS
Data from 9 states were obtained from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Two modules (Arthritis Management and Actions to Control High Blood Pressure) were analyzed (sample sizes: arthritis 29,698, hypertension 29,783).


RESULTS
Fifty-five percent of persons with arthritis and 75.8% of persons with hypertension reported that their health-care professional ever suggested physical activity or exercise to help manage their condition. Correlates for being less likely to receive advice were lower levels of education, longer time since last routine doctor visit, being physically inactive, and having lower body mass index. Among inactive, normal weight persons, 43.0% (95% CI: 38.7, 47.4) with arthritis and 50.0% (95% CI: 44.4, 55.6) with hypertension reported receiving advice; among inactive, obese patients, 59.1% (95% CI: 55.8, 62.3) with arthritis and 74.0% (95% CI: 70.5, 77.3) with hypertension reported receiving advice.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that health-care professionals may base physical activity counseling more on body mass index than a patient's activity level. To manage chronic health conditions, health-care professionals should assess patient's physical activity and offer all patients appropriate counseling.
Carlson
Susan A
SA
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop K-46, Atlanta, GA 30345, USA. scarlson1@cdc.gov
Maynard
L Michele
LM
Fulton
Janet E
JE
Hootman
Jennifer M
JM
Yoon
Paula W
PW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002908:Chronic Disease; D037001:Directive Counseling; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult