Acculturation and psychosocial correlates of physical activity in a Latino community

Insufficient physical activity contributes to increased risk of chronic disease among Latinos, and it has been shown that minorities who are more acculturated are more physically active than those who are not. Few studies examine the simultaneous influences of psychosocial and cultural correlates of Latinos' physical activity. Because self-efficacy and social support are associated with increased physical activity, these mechanisms are being examined among Latinos living along the U.S.-Mexican border (see figure 1). Furthermore, to inform programs aimed at promoting physical activity among Latinos, the relationship between acculturation and physical activity need to be examined. The study population is comprised of 672 Latino adults (38% response rate) who were randomly sampled to participate in a telephone interview. The interview was conducted in English or Spanish based on language preference. Almost 70% of the participants were born in Mexico and 60% were Spanish dominant. The participants reported having high self-efficacy (mean=3.9) but moderate social support (mean=2.3) for physical activity. Further analysis will include structural equation modeling using Mplus to provide a model fit that will best describe how acculturation relates to self-efficacy and social support for physical activity. Within this scope, it is expected that: 1) acculturation will be linked with self-efficacy and social support; 2) social support will be linked with self-efficacy; and 3) social support and self-efficacy will be linked with physical activity.