174576 Religiosity, self-efficacy, acculturation, and social support correlate higher physical activity among church going Latinas

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Trang N. Nguyen, MPH, CHES , Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Elizabeth Mejia, MS , Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Elizabeth Pastrana , Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Elva M. Arredondo, PhD , School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Guadalupe Ayala, PhD, MPH , Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Few studies examine psychosocial, cultural, and religiosity correlates of physical activity (PA) in churchgoing Latinas, a subgroup at high risk for chronic diseases. The goal of this study is to examine associations between religiosity, self-efficacy and social support to PA, acculturation, and different levels of PA among churchgoing Latinas. We hypothesized the following: (1) a positive relation between religiosity, self-efficacy and social support to PA, acculturation, and moderate and vigorous leisure-time physical activity (LTPA); (2) a positive association between church attendance and LTPA.

Methods: Latinas (N=97) were recruited from a church setting in San Diego County. Women completed a self-administered survey assessing moderate and vigorous levels of LTPA, demographics, acculturation, religiosity, social support and self-efficacy to PA.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 42 ± 9.6 years. Most women were Spanish-speakers (77%), and born in Mexico (93%). The mean acculturation score was 1.75 ± .70. Approximately, 52% of participants reported engaging in moderate LTPA (M=62 ± 57 min/week) while 39% engaged in vigorous LTPA (M=82 ± 51min/week). All participants reported attending church services at least two times a month. Approximately, 83% of participants reported finding strength and comfort in their religion everyday.

Conclusion: Consistent with previous research, participants did not meet the CDC's recommendations of moderate or vigorous PA. Findings will show the extent to which cultural, psychosocial, and religious factors impact different levels of PA. Study results will build on the modest amount of research that examines important correlates of activity among churchgoing Latinas.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify indicators that link public health and faith-based community 2. Discuss the role of religosity, self-efficacy, acculturation, and social support in promoting PA 3. Apply study findings to future research with Latina populations and promoting PA

Keywords: Physical Activity, Faith Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I do not have any ties to any commerical entities or am getting any financial support.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.