Correlates of physical activity among adult Hispanic-Americans

Most Americans do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines and this is especially true for minority groups. Hispanics are known to be particularly inactive. Knowledge of correlates of PA among Hispanics would be valuable information for those attempting to increase PA levels of this group. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of selected demographic and environmental correlates with PA, among Hispanics. Methods: A telephone interview of randomly selected Hispanics (n=331) living in Las Vegas, NV was conducted. Participants completed a 52-item questionnaire that included assessments of current PA behavior and potential demographic and environmental correlates of PA. Factor analysis revealed two components of the environment, “supportive characteristics” and “safety.” Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of meeting PA guidelines. Results: The sample included more females (n=175; 52.9%) than males and ranged in age from 18- 82 (x=38.4±15.0) years. Few respondents (6.3%; 21/331) met guidelines, or had completed some college (n=25; 7.6%). About ½ of the sample was married (n=162; 49.0%) and a plurality (n=133; 40.3%) described their health as “good.” The sole significant predictor of meeting PA guidelines was “supportive characteristics,” OR=1.4, CI=1.2-1.6). College education, age, gender, marital and health status, “safety” and body mass index all failed to predict the meeting of PA guidelines. Conclusions: “Supportive characteristics” (neighborhood sidewalks; access to nearby public recreation facilities; nearby supermarkets) may be important in determining if Hispanics get sufficient PA. Researchers should be alert for opportunities to prospectively study the effects of changes in “supportive characteristics.”