Background: Evidence supports the interrelationships between modifiable health risk behaviors (HRBs) in adults. However, few studies have specifically examined the extent to which HRBs relate to physical inactivity (PIA). The aim of this research was to fill this aforementioned gap. Methods: Data for this study came from the 2020 Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Six different binary (yes/no) HRB variables were created and included overweight (OVERWEIGHT), obese (OBESE), current smoking (SMOKING), heavy drinking (DRINKING), not always using seatbelt (SEATBELT), and driven after drinking too much (DDRIVING). PIA status was assessed from a question asking adults if they participated in any physical activities or exercises during the past month. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between each HRB and PIA. Results: Bivariate analyses indicated a significantly (ps < .001) greater prevalence of PIA for those at high risk for all HRBs, except DRINKING. Fully adjusted regression models showed increased odds of PIA for adults at high risk for OVERWEIGHT (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.06 – 1.60), OBESE (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.47 – 2.16), SMOKING (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.25 – 2.00), SEATBELT (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08 – 1.61), and DDRIVING (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.09 – 3.55). Additionally, the OBESE × DDRIVING interaction was significant (p = .046) and indicated substantially greater odds of PIA for those considered high risk for OBESE and DDRIVING (OR = 5.98, 95% CI: 2.08 – 17.18), as compared to their OBESE counterparts who are not high risk DDRIVING (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.40 – 2.27). Conclusion: This study found that several HRBs relate to PIA in adults from Montana. Health promotion specialists concerned with increasing physical activity should consider interventions that target multiple HRBs.

Physical activity (PA), Physical Inactivity (PIA), Health risk behaviors (HRBs)