UC San Diego

Physical inactivity is a behavioral risk factor for obesity and chronic disease. While some studies have reported low levels of leisure time physical activity (PA) among Latinos, other studies support that some Latinos engage in other active behaviors such as walking for transportation. This study used the Social Ecological Model to provide a broader perspective of the multiple influences on PA patterns among Latinos adults. Structural equation modeling was used to explain how individual, social and environmental level factors influenced leisure and nonleisure time PA in a Latino border population of San Diego County. In the fall of 2006, the San Diego Prevention Research Center conducted a telephone- administered survey assessing demographics, social- ecological factors, and PA. The survey was completed by 672 Latino adults randomly sampled from a community in San Diego County. The mean age of respondents was 39±13 years with the majority being female (71%). Over half of respondents were unemployed (53%), Spanish-speakers (57%) and classified as less acculturated. Less than one third of respondents met PA guidelines in their leisure (32%) and nonleisure (29%) time. Men were more likely to meet LTPA recommendations, whereas women were more likely to engage in nonleisure walking at recommended levels. Latino respondents living in the U.S. for less than 12 years were more likely to meet PA guidelines in their leisure and nonleisure time. In an individual-level model, social support and self-efficacy for PA and acculturation were not related to meeting LTPA guidelines, where as there was a direct relationship with consuming more fruits and vegetables. While increasing level of education and being single were also positively related to meeting LTPA guidelines, there was negative association with living in the U.S. for 12/more years and being female. After controlling for these relationships in a social ecological model, results showed that neighborhood cohesion was significantly associated with safety from crime, which was marginally associated with meeting LTPA guidelines. Structural/pedestrian safety was marginally associated meeting LTPA guidelines, but in the negative direction. Meeting LTPA guidelines was positively related to community resource use and being single, but was negatively associated with living in the U.S. for 12/more years and being female. A social ecological model was examined for nonleisure walking at recommended levels. Findings showed that being female was positively related to PA adherence in nonleisure time. Factors negatively related to nonleisure walking at recommended levels were increasing income and acculturation, living in the U.S. for 12/more years, and being Mexican-born. The key findings highlight 1) gender and acculturation differences in leisure and nonleisure time PA, and 2) correlates of leisure and nonleisure time PA among Latino adults. This study provides a better understanding of PA, and can be used to inform future research targeting multi-level factors to promote active living in Latino communities