Social Support Network and Sedentary Behavior Among US Adults With and Without Mobility Impairment

Evidence suggests that sedentary behavior is increased among those with mobility impairment, but the evidence examining the impact of social support networks (SSN) on this relationship remains limited. This study examines the relationship between SSN and sedentary behavior among adults with and without mobility impairment.

Cross-sectional.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008.

U.S. adults (≥40 years of age) with (n = 962) and without (n = 1393) mobility impairment.

The Social Support Network (SSN) score was created using self-reported emotional, financial, church, friends, and marital support/status. The dependent variable in this study was the upper quartile of sedentary time in minutes.

Both higher SSN score (AOR .43; 95% CI 0.25-.76, P = .045) and poverty to income ratio (PIR) (AOR 2.60; 95% CI 1.40-4.82, P = .01) were significant predictors of increased sedentary time among adults with mobility impairment. Among adults without mobility impairment, higher PIR was the only significant predictor of increased sedentary time (OR 3.59; 95% Cl 1.80-7.15, P < .0001).

Higher SSN score was associated with significantly lower odds of increased sedentary time among adults with mobility impairment. A similar relationship was not revealed among adults without mobility impairment. Higher PIR was associated with significantly higher odds of increased sedentary time among adults with and without mobility impairment.