Evaluating the Relationship between Physical Activity and Diabetes Status among Asian American and Pacific Islander Populations in California

The rising rates of obesity and chronic disease among Asian Americans (AA) and Pacific Islanders (PI) appear to follow a different pattern from the rest of the population. Additionally, they differ among the various AAPI subpopulations.

This study will examine the relationship between physical activity level and diabetes status among the AAPI subpopulations. Methods: Using 2009 California Health Interview Survey data, logistic regression analysis was applied to adults aged 18 and older to examine the association between physical activity and diabetes status, among Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Pacific Islanders. Covariates included age, sex, birth place, poverty, smoking, body mass index (BMI), dietary variables, perceived health, and co-morbidities.

All CHIS respondents demonstrated significantly decreased odds of having diabetes with increased daily physical activity. Among AAPIs, Chinese who were active 10-30 minutes daily, and Filipinos who were active for at least 30 minutes daily, showed significantly decreased odds of diabetes. However, these were no longer significant upon addition of the covariates, and BMI emerged as a positive predictor of diabetes in all subgroups. Associated with increased odds of diabetes were high blood pressure (except in Chinese) and fair or poorly-rated health (except in Chinese and Pacific Islanders). Associations of other covariates with diabetes status varied among subgroups.

Diabetes risk factors for AAPIs appear to vary among subgroups, and findings from studies of this heterogeneous group, often treated as homogeneous, should be interpreted with caution. Further research should focus on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to diabetes risk in AAPI subpopulations.