Giving and Receiving: A Study of Volunteering and Cardiometabolic Health Among Nonsmokers

Poor cardiometabolic health contributes to the leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This study examined the relationship between volunteering and cardiometabolic health among nonsmoking adults through an analysis of the Chicago Department of Public Health's 2023 Healthy Chicago Survey (N = 4872). Cardiometabolic health was assessed through a 3-item summary score related to receiving a diagnosis of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The analysis consisted of a Poisson regression and mediation models that incorporated demographic predictors and assessed mediation of physical activity, vegetable consumption, and belonging (feeling part of the neighborhood), 1 mediator at a time. Results show a significant relationship between volunteering in the past 12 months and cardiometabolic health and evidence that physical activity and belonging mediated this relationship. Urban health departments can promote cardiometabolic health as well as individual-level physical activity and a sense of belonging through assuring opportunities for volunteering.