Citation

Martinez SM, Arredondo EM, Roesch S, Patrick K, Ayala GX, Elder JP. J. Phys. Act. Health 2011; 8(7): 898-906.

Affiliation

Dept of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21885880

Abstract

BACKGROUND: U.S. Latinos engage in nonleisure-time walking (NLTW) more than other ethno-racial groups. Studies are needed to explore factors associated with NLTW to inform interventions for effective physical activity promotion. PURPOSE: To examine the social-ecological correlates of NLTW among Mexican-origin Latinos. METHODS: Individual, social, and environmental level factors and PA were assessed in a telephone survey completed by 672 Mexican-origin adults randomly sampled in San Diego County. Data were collected in 2006 and analyzed in 2009. RESULTS: Participants were mostly female (71%), with an average age of 39 years. Less than one-third met PA guidelines for NLTW (29%). Structural equation modeling showed that NLTW was positively associated with being female, but negatively associated with living in the U.S. ≥ 12 years, and being U.S.-born. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample NLTW differed by various indicators of acculturation and gender. These findings might help inform the development of interventions to promote NLTW and thus physical activity in Mexican-origin adults.

Language: en