Independent and interactive effect of sitting time and physical activity on prevalence of hyperuricemia: the Henan Rural Cohort Study

Background There are few studies on the hyperuricemia (HUA) and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (PA) and also hardly regarding sitting time (ST). The purpose of this study was to examine the independent and interactive association of PA and ST with HUA. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 38,855 participants (aged 18–79) enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study at baseline (2015 to 2017). PA and ST levels were assessed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). HUA was defined as a serum uric acid level of > 7.0 mg/dL for males and > 6.0 mg/dL for females. Multivariable logistic regression and linear regression models were applied to examine the independent association between PA or ST and HUA and serum uric acid level. Interaction plots were used to visualize the interaction effects of PA and ST on HUA. Results PA level was inversely related with serum uric acid level (β − 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.22, − 0.07), but ST was positively related with uric acid level (β 2.12, 95% CI 1.90, 2.34). Metabolic equivalent (MET-hour/day) was associated with decreased prevalence of HUA (odds ratio (OR) 0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.99), while per hour increased for ST was associated with increased HUA (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04, 1.06). The interaction of PA and ST was significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion Exposure to higher ST was independently related to increased prevalence of HUA, while vigorous PA with a decreased HUA prevalence. Meanwhile, higher daily ST might attenuate the protective effect of PA on HUA. Trial registration The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699).