title: Lifestyle behaviors and self-rated health: the living for health program.
abstract: 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).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gender differences in health behaviors should be considered in designing and monitoring lifestyle interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 307, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors.forename: Gustavo G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Zarini
authors.affiliation: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 307, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors.forename: Joan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Vaccaro
authors.affiliation: Florida Heart Research Institute, 4770 Biscayne Boulevard 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33137, USA.
authors.forename: Maria A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Canossa Terris
authors.affiliation: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 307, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors.forename: Joel C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Exebio
authors.affiliation: Florida Heart Research Institute, 4770 Biscayne Boulevard 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33137, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-0561-5154
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tokayer
authors.affiliation: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 307, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5596-1683
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Antwi
authors.affiliation: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 307, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors.forename: Sahar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ajabshir
authors.affiliation: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 307, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors.forename: Amanpreet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cheema
authors.affiliation: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 306, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors.forename: Fatma G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Huffman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult