Neighborhood social cohesion and physical activity and obesity outcomes among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander individuals

Abstract

Objective Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) individuals report high obesity rates and low physical activity (PA) levels. This study examined associations between neighborhood social cohesion, obesity, and PA among NHPI adults. Methods Cross‐sectional data from the 2014 NHPI National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Social cohesion was assessed using a summative scale and categorized as low, medium, and high. PA was measured via self‐report and categorized as insufficiently active (0‐149 min/wk) or sufficiently active (150+ min/wk). Obesity status was based on self‐reported height and weight measures converted into standard BMI categories. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds of obesity and sufficient PA associated with social cohesion level. Results The study sample included n = 2,590 NHPI adults. Compared with those in low social cohesion neighborhoods, participants in high social cohesion neighborhoods had increased sufficient PA odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19‐2.12; p = 0.003) and decreased obesity odds (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40‐0.83; p = 0.005). No associations were observed between social cohesion and obesity and PA outcomes comparing individuals in medium versus low social cohesion neighborhoods. Conclusions High social cohesion was associated with reduced obesity odds and increased sufficient PA odds. Findings highlight the importance of enhancing social connectivity as a potential strategy to promote PA and healthy weight among NHPI individuals.

Obesity Disparities Among Adult Single-Race and Multiracial Asian and Pacific Islander Populations

“…Additionally, our survey population was selected by case-control matching on cardiovascular disease status with oversampling of Asian and Pacific Islander racial and ethnic groups. Although our results are similar to those of previous studies, 7,8,[31][32][33]…”

“…However, when applying Asian-specific BMI cutoffs, the prevalence of obesity among single-race Asian groups was similar to that among single-race White individuals. Moreover, we found that obesity prevalence was higher among Pacific Islander groups compared with Asian groups and White individuals …”

“…Additionally, our survey population was selected by case-control matching on cardiovascular disease status with oversampling of Asian and Pacific Islander racial and ethnic groups. Although our results are similar to those of previous studies, it is possible that this sample may have a different health and sociodemographic profile compared with the larger Asian and Pacific Islander population. We were also only able to disaggregate Native Hawaiian individuals from the larger Pacific Islander group.…”

“…Moreover, we found that obesity prevalence was higher among Pacific Islander groups compared with Asian groups and White individuals. 32,33 Our study provides new insights into the burden of obesity among multiracial groups. In both EHR and survey-linked data, the prevalence of obesity was higher for multiracial groups than for both single-race Asian and White people when using standard BMI cutoffs.…”

“…Moreover, we found that obesity prevalence was higher among Pacific Islander groups compared with Asian groups and White individuals. 32 , 33 …”