141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

286325
Demographic characteristics and barriers for physical activity among adults residing at community la mesa, caguas, Puerto Rico-2012

Monday, November 4, 2013

Kimberly Arce Roman, BS , Associate Dean of Graduate Program, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR
Andres E. Julia Beltran, BS , Associate Dean of Graduate Program, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas
Dennisse Lopez Rodriguez, BS , Associate Dean of Graduate Program, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas
Micmarie Ramos Rodriguez, BS , Associate Dean of Graduate Program, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR
Jose L. Rodriguez Rivera, BS , Associate Dean of Graduate Program, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas
Janaliss Velez Rodriguez, BS , Associate Dean of Graduate Program, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas
Ivis Figueroa-Sanchez, Dr.PH , Master Program in Public Health, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR
Geronimo Maldonado-Martinez, PhD(c) , Master Program in Public Health, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR
Introduction- It is well recognized that physical activity (PA) plays an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases. In Puerto Rico, according to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2009) the prevalence of physical inactivity among Puerto Ricans was 32.5%. The aim of our study is to assess demographic characteristics and perceived barriers engaging in PA in a low income community in Puerto Rico.

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.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
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.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

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.