Examination of race disparities in physical inactivity among adults of similar social context

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether race disparities in physical inactivity are present among urban lowincome Blacks and Whites living in similar social context. Design: This analysis included Black and White respondents (≥18 years) from the Exploring Health Disparities in Integrated Communities- Southwest Baltimore (EHDIC-SWB; N=1350) Study and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; N=67790). Respondents who reported no levels of moderate or vigorous physical activity, during leisure time, over a usual week were considered physically inactive. Results: After controlling for confounders, Blacks had higher adjusted odds of physical inactivity compared to Whites in the national sample (odds ratio [OR]5=.40; 95%confidence interval [CI] 5=.30-1.51). In EHDIC-SWB, Blacks and Whites had a similar odds of physical inactivity (OR=1.09; 95% CI .86-1.40). Conclusion: Social context contributes to our understanding of racial disparities in physical inactivity.