Exploring Factors Associated with Physical Activity in Latino Immigrants

Abstract

Latinos are at increased risk for developing chronic conditions. Regular physical activity (PA) assists in protecting adults from developing type 2 diabetes, excess weight, and heart disease, making PA important for health promotion. This cross-sectional, descriptive investigation was conducted with adults 18 years of age and older in a predominately Latino community. Perceptions of factors which influenced PA were examined. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed. Immigrant Latino males engaged in PA significantly more often than female participants. In Latino participants, those who engaged in walking activities were more likely to engage in both vigorous ( r = .341, p<.005) and moderate PA ( r = .317, p <.001). Self-efficacy and acculturation were significant predictors of PA. Acculturation was associated with physical activity, even after adjusting for perceived stress. Findings highlight the continued importance of self-efficacy to foster health promotion in Latino communities.

Psychometric properties of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale Modified Version–Spanish, tested in an at‐risk Latino immigrant population

“…Self‐efficacy, particularly when working with individuals at risk for diabetes, needs to be fostered as it may be one of the most important ways for individuals to feel confident in their ability to promote their own health (Amirehsani et al, 2019; Mikell et al, 2020). Latino men have reported that the energy they expend while working is adequate for maintaining health (Valdez et al, 2019); however, occupational activities do not provide the same cardiovascular benefits as leisure time physical activity (Holtermann et al, 2018).…”

A Critical Review on New Approaches for Chronic Disease Prevention in Brazil and Canada: From Wholistic Dietary Guidelines to Physical Activity Security

“…As a consequence, since not all these interventions are universally transferable, individuals with different traditions, such as those in specific ethnic groups, religious communities, immigrant clusters, and indigenous peoples often present lower levels of PA ( 74 – 76 ). Even when resources are available and the built environment is conducive to PA, the absence of cultural care can limit changes in this behavior ( 77 , 78 ). Accordingly, an increasing number of studies report that initiatives aiming at raising PA levels should take cultural backgrounds into consideration ( 64 , 76 , 79 ).…”

Finding My People: My Experience as an Emergency Nurse Scientist in a Research Postdoctoral Fellowship at an Academic Medical Center

“…When I embarked on my fellowship, one of my goals was that I would develop my skills as a writer and publish the findings from my dissertation research. 9,10 The fellowship allowed time for reflection, which provided the impetus I needed to write manuscripts for submission to peerreviewed journals (it also provided a safe space to weather manuscript rejection). 6 When I received immediate "desk rejections" by editors, as well as rejections by reviewers who critiqued my work with enthusiasm and then rejected it, I viewed these as new opportunities to find the proper journal fit.…”