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Demographic characteristics and barriers for physical activity among adults residing at community la mesa, caguas, Puerto Rico-2012
Methods- A total of 110 adults from community La Mesa at Caguas, Puerto Rico were surveyed through face to face interviews during December, 2012. To assess barriers and level engaging in PA, two instruments were used: The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and the Questionnaire of Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity Practice. A third survey was administered to collect socio-demographic data. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS version 17.0.
Results- 41.8% of respondents did not meet PA recommendations of which 34.8% were overweight and 32.6% obese. Females (60.9%) and people age 55 and older (41.3%) were more inactive. 17.4% of inactive people presented three or more chronic diseases. Overall, the most frequently reported barriers included “lack of a safe and convenient place” (39.1%), “lack of self-discipline” (35.5%) and “lack of time” (29.1%).
Conclusion- An immediate process for planning and implementing educational and interventional prevention strategies, focused specifically in lowering the prevalence of PI, is recommended. Action is required to address infrastructural and behavioral aspects in Puerto Rican communities to promote healthy lifestyle and PA.
Chronic disease management and prevention
Epidemiology
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Identify the demographic characteristics and perceived barriers of physical activity in a low income community in Puerto Rico.
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a principal researcher of this study. This investigation is a prerequisite for the degree of Master of Public Health in the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine.
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.