Lifestyle Factors and Bodily Pain among African Americans

Objectives: We examined the association of bodily pain with lifestyle factors (i. e., obesity, physical activity, sleep duration, sedentary behavior, and alcohol consumption) among African-American adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a convenience sample (N=1408) of African-American adults in Houston, Texas in 2013-2014. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine the relationship between lifestyle factors and bodily pain, adjusting for age, gender, income, education, employment, chronic conditions, and depression. Results: Overall, 16% of participants reported moderate to extreme bodily pain. Body mass index (OR = 1.06 [95% CI 1.04-1.09]) and time spent in sedentary behavior (OR = 1.05 [95% CI 1.004-1.10]) were significantly linked to a higher likelihood of reporting moderate to extreme bodily pain. Physical activity (OR = 0.63 [95% CI 0.40-0.98]) was significantly linked to a lower likelihood of reporting moderate to extreme bodily pain. Alcohol consumption and sleep duration were not correlated with pain. Conclusions: A relationship exists between lifestyle factors contributing to the burden of cancer and bodily pain among African Americans. Findings can guide future interventions to reduce cancer risk in African Americans through modification of lifestyle behaviors and addressing bodily pain.