Environmental Correlates of Physical Activity Among Adult Asian-Americans

Many Americans are not physically active at levels that produce health benefits. This is especially true of minority populations, including Asian-Americans (AA). Although recent research has targeted minority groups, little has been done to assess the physical activity (PA) habits, or correlates of physical activity among AA. Knowledge of PA correlates are important because they are necessary to provide meaningful guidance in developing interventions. Correlates of PA have been typically been classified as demographic, psychosocial, policy and environmental. Recently researchers have focused on environmental correlates. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify environmental correlates of PA among adult AA. Methods: A 55-item telephone interview was used to assess the self-reported PA behavior, neighborhood environmental characteristics, nutritional habits and demographics of AA adults living Las Vegas, Nevada. Factor analysis revealed two neighborhood components 1) safety (S) [loose dogs, untrustworthy neighbors, heavy traffic] and 2) physical characteristics (PC) [sidewalks; nearby public recreation facilities; nearby supermarkets]. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of meeting PA guidelines. Independent variables included age, gender, BMI, employment, educational attainment, neighborhood safety and neighborhood support for PA. Results: Mean age was 49±17.9 years (n=263). Nearly 27% of AA met PA guidelines (moderately intense PA 4 or more times per week or vigorous PA 3 or more times per week). The sole significant predictor of meeting guidelines were the physical characteristics of the neighborhood OR=1.3, CI=1.07-1.48). Conclusion: Findings suggest that creating supportive neighborhood environments may influence the meeting of PA guidelines among AA.