Physical Activity Among Korean Americans in Los Angeles

The importance of physical activity (PA) for population-level chronic disease prevention is well known. Yet, there is little PA data related to Korean Americans (KAs), among the fastest growing US immigrant populations. Improved understanding of current PA patterns is needed to inform chronic disease prevention efforts targeting this underserved population.

An interviewer administered Korean language questionnaire was used in the baseline assessment of a randomized cancer prevention trial conducted with KA church attendees in Los Angeles (N=498; 64% female, average age 45 years, 57% uninsured, 97% immigrants). Physical activity level was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); participants reported time in excess of 10 minutes spent in walking, moderate, and vigorous intensity PA over the past 7 days.

PA levels were low across the sample, and women reported significantly less PA than men on all measures. The majority of participants reported low (42%; female: 49%, male: 28%), versus moderate (30%; female: 27%, male: 34%) or high (29%; female: 24%, male: 39%) levels of PA. Over half the sample (55%) failed to meet the 2008 PA Guidelines for Americans. Large portions of the sample reported no moderate (46%) or vigorous (67%) PA. Higher levels of PA (IPAQ) were associated with male gender, older age, greater consumption of fruits/vegetables, and lower BMI. PA was not associated with income, education, or acculturation.

These data suggest that interventions to promote PA among KAs, particularly women, may reduce chronic disease risk in this rapidly growing population.