Exploring socioenvironmental factors associated with physical activity among Latinos in Los Angeles county

Abstract

Obesity among the pediatric population is increasing at alarming rates. Compared to other races and ethnic groups in Long Beach, California, Latinos of all ages now represent 68.2% of the city's overweight and obese. Among U.S. Hispanic boys and girls born in 2000, 45.4% and 52.5% have a lifetime risk of developing diabetes, respectively, compared to 26.7% and 31.2% among their White male and female counterparts. Scant culturally-relevant research has been conducted to evaluate socioenvironmental barriers that inhibit physical activity and promote sedentarism among Latinos, particularly children. As part of the formative data collection phase of the Sanos y Fuertes Project, six family-based focus groups were conducted with 68 Latinos in the greater Long Beach area. Participants completed demographic and behavioral surveys regarding exercise practices. This study utilized a secondary data analysis approach to illuminate specific barriers and facilitators to physical activity such as family living conditions, healthcare access, and obstacles to exercise. Findings indicated that physical activity was associated with exercise and nutrition class attendance, and with gymnasium membership. These action steps will serve to address the health and physical activity needs of at-risk Latino children and their families.