The mediating role of physical activity on cognitive disparities in cancer survivors

Abstract

This study examined the association of physical activity (PA) with cognitive difficulties (CD) and education, income, poverty, and age among cancer survivors (CS) using data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey. Causal mediation analysis was tested using the bootstrapping method to examine associations between PA, cognitive difficulties, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Results showed statistically significant disparities in both CD and physical inactivity among CS with low education, low income, high poverty, and certain age categories. Health disparities related to CD based on race/ethnicity, sex, and age were also identified. Physical activity mediated the relationship between CD and education, income, poverty, and age. Future research is needed to gain deeper insight into the mechanisms of PA-induced health benefits and to develop specific PA prescription guidelines in the subgroups at risk for CD.