271167 Community Resource Utilization, Emotional Health, and Socio-demographic Characteristics Associated with Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns among Obese Latinos

Monday, October 29, 2012

Rebecca Drieling, MPH , Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Lisa Goldman Rosas, PHD, MPH , Program on Prevention Outcomes and Practices, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
Jun Ma, MD, RD, PHD , Department of Health Services Research, Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
Randall Stafford, MD PhD , Program on Prevention Outcomes and Practices, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
Background: Latinos, especially those of low socioeconomic status (SES), are disproportionately represented among the 60 million Americans classified as obese. While intensive behavioral interventions have been effective for weight loss, few have been evaluated for low-SES Latinos. Evidence of behavioral predictors of obesigenic behavior in this population is needed to inform interventions. Methods: Using baseline data from Vivamos Activos, a weight management trial among obese Latino adults (n=207), we investigated demographic, psychosocial, and environmental factors associated with unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. We measured steps via seven day pedometer counts, dietary intake via the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, and potential behavioral correlates via validated surveys. Data were analyzed in multivariable linear regression models. Results: All participants immigrated to the US as adults and 74% had not graduated high school. Their mean age was 47.5+11.1 years and body mass index was 35.6+5.3 kg/m2. Forty-one percent had low (<5 servings/day) fruit and vegetable intake and 37% had a sedentary lifestyle (<5,000 steps/day). Using community nutritional resources such as food banks was associated with 1.3 more daily fruit and vegetable servings (p=0.04) and female gender was associated with 0.6 fewer weekly fast food servings (p=0.04). Male gender and more depressive symptoms were associated with higher sweetened beverage intake (all p=0.01). Fewer steps per day were associated with female gender, more education, longer US residence, and not using community physical activity resources (all p<0.05). Conclusion: Obesity reduction strategies among low-SES Latinos should emphasize community resource utilization and take into consideration gender, education, and acculturation.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe the prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity-related dietary habits among low socioeconomic status obese Latino adults. List four behavioral predictors associated with lower physical activity levels among low socioeconomic status obese Latino adults. List three behavioral predictors associated with obesity-related dietary habits among low socioeconomic status obese Latino adults. Evaluate information on predictors of physical activity and dietary habits to inform programs and interventions to reduce obesity among low socioeconomic status obese Latinos.

Keywords: Obesity, Latino

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the research director for multiple federally and privately-funded grants focusing on socio-behavioral interventions for disease prevention and disease risk reduction. Among my scientific interests has been the development of strategies for culturally tailored health education programs, especially among low socioeconomic status Latinos. I hold a masters of public health degree and I am currently a doctorate student of epidemiology and a pre-doctoral fellow of the National Cancer Institute.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.