Characterization of trajectories of physical activity and cigarette smoking from early adolescence to adulthood

Abstract Background Cigarette smoking and physical inactivity are two critical risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and all-cause mortality. However, few studies have compared the long-term trajectories of both behaviors, as well as multilevel factors associated with trajectory patterns. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) Wave I through V survey data, this study characterized distinct subgroups of the population sharing similar behavioral patterns from adolescence to adulthood, as well as predictors of subgroup membership for physical activity (PA) and cigarette smoking behavior respectively. Methods Using the Add Health Wave I through V survey data, we identified the optimal number of latent classes and class-specific trajectories of PA and cigarette smoking from early adolescence to adulthood, fitting latent growth mixture models with standardized PA score and past 30-day cigarette smoking intensity as outcome measures and age as a continuous time variable. Associations of baseline sociodemographic factors, neighborhood characteristics, and sociopsychological factors with trajectory class membership were assessed using multinomial logistic regression. Results We identified three distinct subgroups of non-linear PA trajectories in the study population: moderately active group ( N = 1067, 5%), persistently inactive group ( N = 14,257, 69%) and worsening activity group ( N = 5410, 26%). Foror cigarette smoking, we identified three distinct non-linear trajectory subgroups: persistent non-smoker ( N = 14,939, 72%), gradual quitter ( N = 2357, 11%), and progressing smoker ( N = 3393, 16%). Sex, race/ethnicity, neighborhood environment and perceived peer support during adolescence were significant predictors of both physical activity and cigarette smoking trajectory subgroup membership from early adolescence to adulthood. Conclusions There are three distinct subgroups of individuals sharing similar PA and cigarette smoking behavioral profile respectively from adolescence to adulthood in the Add Health study population. Behavioral interventions that focus on neighborhood environment (e.g. establish community-based activity center) and relationship to peers during adolescence (e.g. peer counseling) could be key to long-term PA promotion and cigarette smoking cessation.