Leisure-time Physical Activity among Midlife Korean Immigrant Women in the US

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among midlife Korean American women and to determine the relationships of LTPA with individual characteristics and behavior-specific cognition and affects. A cross-sectional descriptive study of 152 middle-aged Korean American women in Central Texas was conducted using a health-promotion model of physical activity adapted from Pender's Health Promotion Model. The results showed that 32% of the participants were not engaged in any form of exercise. The level of acculturation was not significantly related to the amount of physical activity. After age, level of acculturation, education, income, and marital status were controlled, LTPA was significantly associated with perceived benefits and barriers and social support. Physical inactivity, which was common in this group of immigrant women, warrants further rigorous investigation to determine the dynamics of the women's involvement in more physical activity.

A Systematic Literature Review of Sport and Physical Activity Participation in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Migrant Populations

“…Some studies measured acculturation on the basis of English language proficiency or preference only [35,36], whilst others utilised culturally specific or comprehensive measures of acculturation assessing cultural orientation, identity and attitudes as well as language [37,38].…”

“…A number of studies used acculturation scales developed specifically for some cultural groups [37] (e.g., Suinn-Lew Asian Self Identity Acculturation Scale [47]). The use of such scales may be an appropriate method for studying large groups in common areas; however the multitude of variables regarding culture, relocation and resettlement countries makes it difficult to create specific scales for all groups in all locations.…”

“…Generally, the greater the number of motives an individual cited, the greater was their participation in sports and physical activity [37,65]. Motivation is intricately associated with acculturation and various cultural dynamics.…”

Factors Associated with Physical Activity among Chinese Immigrant Women

“…는 개인적 특성 요인으로 (Yang et al, 2007), 선행 연구의 체계적인 고 찰 결과에 따르면 신체활동의 주요 영향요인인 것으로 나타났다 (Gerber, Barker, & Pühse, 2012) …”

“…www.kan.or.kr (Yang et al, 2007), 자기효능감이 높을수록 (Eyler et al, 2003;Tung & Hsu, 2009) 신체활동이 증가하는 것으로 보고되었다. 개인적 특성에 따라서는 지각된 건강상태가 좋을수록, 연령은 낮을수록, 교육수준은 높을 수록, 기혼자가 미혼자에 비해 신체활동이 더 많은 것으로 보고되 어 있다 (Eyler et al; Yang et al).…”