Acculturation and gender differences in walking for transportation among Latinos in San Diego County

Introduction: Although Latinos engage in little leisure time physical activity (PA), studies suggest that some Latinos engage in other active behaviors such as the use of active transportation. The social ecological model may be useful to help explain these differences in behavior including whether they are influenced by gender and level of acculturation.

Methods: Demographics, social-ecological factors, and PA were assessed in a telephone-administered survey completed by 672 Latino adults randomly sampled in San Diego County.

Results: Most respondents were Spanish-speakers, Mexican-born, Mexican-oriented acculturation score (i.e. low in acculturation), and their average age was 39±13 years. More than half were married (58%), female (71%), and overweight/obese (61%). Approximately, fifty percent reported engaging in at least one 10 minute bout of active transportation daily. The mean total of minutes of active transportation was 177 (SD=313) per week. Of all transportation use, respondents walked 27% of the time on average. Structural equation modeling showed differences by gender and levels of acculturation on use of active transportation. Among females and less acculturated Latinos, self-efficacy mediated the relationship between social support and use of active transportation, and safety from crime was associated with neighborhood cohesion, which was associated with more use of active transportation. Employed status and higher education were negatively associated with use of active transportation.

Discussion: These findings suggest that correlates of active transportation differ by level of acculturation and gender. This study may inform future policy regarding the built environment and interventions seeking to promote active living in Latino communities.