Project Salud: Studying Activity of Latinos - Underestimated

Recent census figures suggest that Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group in the United States, however, examination of the physical activity levels and the correlates and outcomes of activity have employed samples primarily composed of non-Latino Whites. The present study examined the occupational, recreational, and domestic activity levels of 155 Latinos (n = 86 female, n = 69 male) using both subjective (questionnaire) and objective (accelerometer) measures of physical activity, and psychosocial correlates frequently associated with leisure time physical activity (LTPA). Additionally, the role played by acculturation in physical activity was investigated. Latinos who engaged in high levels of LTPA and those who engaged in low levels of LTPA were compared. We also compared the activity levels of those Latinos with little or no LTPA but high occupational/domestic (non-LTPA) levels of physical activity and those with high levels of LTPA but little or no occupational/domestic activity. It was demonstrated that participants reporting high levels of LTPA had significantly higher daily activity counts, however, no difference was noted in overall MET hours per week (measure of the energy cost of an activity relative to energy expenditure at rest). In analyses that compared activity levels of Latinos with high LTPA/low non-LTPA and Latinos with low LTPA/high non-LTPA, the significant difference in daily activity counts was no longer present and Latinos with low levels of LTPA but high levels of non-LTPA had greater overall activity. Additionally, Latinos reporting high levels of LTPA had significantly higher levels of exercise and barriers self-efficacy, and received more social support to exercise from friends. Finally, it was demonstrated that Latinos with high levels of LTPA were more acculturated than Latinos with low levels of LTPA. These results suggest that measurement of all types of physical activity of Latinos is important, and that self-efficacy, social support, and acculturation are correlates of physical activity to target for improving LTPA rates among Latinos.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology and Community Health

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Marquez, David Xavier

Contributors dc:contributor

• McAuley, Edward

• Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3153374

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/86371