BMI, Physical Inactivity, and Pap Test Use in Asian Women in the U.S.

INTRODUCTION

In the U.S., limited epidemiologic studies have investigated associations between BMI and physical inactivity and Pap test use among Asian women. The aim was to disentangle associations using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2014 and 2016.

METHODS

In the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, BMI was categorized into four levels (<18.5, 18.5 to <25, 25 to <30, and ≥30) and inactivity was defined as having no physical activity in addition to the individual's regular job during the past month. Analyses were conducted in June 2018. Weighted percentages of covariates were used to descriptively summarize the data. Multivariable logistic regression corrected for sampling weight was used to estimate associations between BMI and inactivity and Pap test use. Subgroup analysis was conducted by income and education.

RESULTS

The analysis included 9,424 women and 59.6% of them had their last Pap test within 3 years. OR in the mutually adjusted model suggested underweight (BMI <18.5 compared with normal weight) was inversely associated with Pap test use within the last 3 years (OR=0.56, 95% CI=0.36, 0.88). Inactivity (compared with activity) was not associated with Pap test use within the last 3 years (OR=0.80, 95% CI=0.60, 1.06). Different association patterns of BMI and inactivity were observed by education.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that being underweight, rather than overweight or obesity, is associated with a lower rate of Pap test use in U.S. Asian women. Health interventions to facilitate Pap test use in Asian women should explore other potential targets, not aiming to just prevent obesity or change physical inactivity.