 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Kelly Evenson, PhD1, Olga Sarmiento, MD1, Alice Ammerman, DrPH, RD2, Kathy Tawney, PhD3, and M Lisa Macon, BSPH2. (1) Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bank of America Plaza, Suite 306, 137 East Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, 919-966-1967, kevenson@email.unc.edu, (2) Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1700 Airport Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, (3) UNC, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Background. Few studies have examined the correlates of physical activity for Latinas (Latino women), which provide critical information for developing culturally competent interventions. The objective of this study was to describe physical activity and the personal, social environmental, and physical environmental correlates for Latina immigrants.
Methods. As part of the multi-site Women’s Cardiovascular Health Network, 671 first generation Latina immigrants 20 to 50 years of age living in North Carolina completed an in-person interview. All statistical models were adjusted for acculturation, with self-reported physical activity as the dependent variable.
Results. Only 37% of Latinas reported meeting vigorous or moderate recommendations for physical activity, with 42% insufficiently active and 21% inactive. Women with more self-efficacy (e.g. confidence that they could exercise more) were less likely to meet recommendations or report any activity. Social environmental factors, such as knowing people who exercise or seeing people in the neighborhood exercise were more likely among women who reported any activity and women who met recommendations for activity. Physical environmental factors, such as traffic, street lighting, and unattended dogs, were not strongly associated with physical activity. Living in a community where places to exercise were available was associated with any activity.
Conclusion. This study underscores the importance of understanding personal characteristics and addressing factors reflecting the social and physical environment where Latinas live. Future programs aimed at increasing physical activity among Latina immigrants should consider these factors.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Physical Activity,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.