Wearable devices and physical activity disparities: Insights from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey

This study aimed to investigate the association between wearable device use and physical activity, as well as to assess the mediating role of wearable device use in the relationship between social disparities and achievement of recommended level of physical activity.

Data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6) (n = 4922) were analyzed. Weighted prevalence estimates were presented, and adjusted odds ratios from multivariable logistic regression of wearable device use and meeting recommended levels of physical activity were reported. Causal mediation analysis (CMA) was conducted to examine the mediation effect of sociodemographic factors on physical activity via wearable devices.

Among participants, 34.9 % used wearable devices, and 37.1 % achieved the recommended level of 150 min of weekly moderate-intensity physical activity. Wearable device users were 1.84 times more likely to achieve recommended physical activity goals than non-users. Significant mediation effects of wearable device use were found, mediating the association between female sex and higher education attainment with physical activity. Furthermore, among wearable users, Asians, and individuals with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² were less likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity.

Wearable device use exhibit sociodemographic patterns, influencing physical activity and potentially exacerbating health disparities. Promoting equitable usage of wearables and enhancing skills in utilizing wearable devices can significantly enhance physical activity levels, playing a pivotal role in reducing health disparities and fostering overall well-being.