Promoting Healthy Environments for Latino Children Living in Border Colonias: Community Perspectives of Needed Policy Actions

Background: Latino children living in impoverished neighborhoods along the U.S-Mexico border are disproportionately overweight and sedentary. There is a growing literature about environmental influences that may improve the lifestyle of Latino children. Policy changes to modify poor infrastructure and safety issues, which impede physical activity (PA) among children, need to be identified for community action. Purpose: To produce environmental policy recommendations to promote PA among border Latino children. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in the South Texas border region. Data were gathered through 10 focus groups with children ages 8-13 (n=67), an environmental assessment (n=14 colonias), and 6 community meetings (n=72 participants) in Hidalgo County, Texas. Results: Children stated the presence of trash and gangs, lack of lighting, speedy cars, bad weather, unleashed dogs, and inadequate playgrounds were environmental barriers affecting their PA behaviors. An environmental assessment confirmed that colonias pose many challenges to PA. Community meetings with stakeholders yielded overwhelming recommendations for more funding for outreach programs and community organizations, better distribution of infrastructure funds, establishment of a local shuttle service, and greater presence of representatives in colonias. The stakeholders emphasized the need for transportation serving colonia children and families to and from recreational facilities. Conclusion: Promoting supportive environments for PA among border Latino children requires complex strategies, including policies improving transportation and generating funds for infrastructure and community programs. Improvement of the colonias' built environment may be possible through involvement of both political leaders and community members.