Social Influences on Self-Reported Physical Activity in Overweight Latino Children

Abstract

Psychosocial variables influence physical activity for different age groups, sex, and ethnic groups. However, little is known about their influence on physical activity in preadolescent Latino children. The authors examined how a) confidence in one's ability to be physically active (selfefficacy); b) ideas about the consequences of being physically active (beliefs), and c) the influences of family and friends on physical activity (social influences) effect physical activity levels in overweight (body mass index ≥85%) Latino preadolescent children. One hundred and fourteen preadolescents participated in a larger intervention designed to improve healthy lifestyles for Latino families. The authors report baseline data collected at a community-based primary care clinic. Multivariate regression analyses showed that only social influences significantly predicted (P < .01) the metabolic equivalent adjusted self-reported baseline physical activity. Prevention and intervention strategies that augment social influences on physical activity are likely to result in more physical activity and improved health in these children.Keywords social influences; body mass index; obesity; Hispanic Americans Obesity, now an epidemic in US children, disproportionately affects Latino children as prevalence rates are higher in Latino children than in their African American or Caucasian counterparts. 1,2 However, despite this increased disease burden, few studies have described overweight Latino children.Increased energy intake and decreased energy expenditure are primary contributors to obesity. Because Latino children of all ages have more inactivity and less moderate and vigorous activity than other ethnic groups, 3 increasing physical activity is likely to be a particularly effective target for obesity interventions in this population. Psychosocial variables, including a) confidence in one's ability to be physically active (self-efficacy), b) Studies examining the psychosocial determinants of physical activity have primarily described adults 6-8 and adolescents, 9-14 fewer have focused on younger children, such as preadolescents. Studies of Latino adults have shown the importance of social and family support. 6,7 In addition, studies of adolescents have shown the association between selfefficacy and positive beliefs with directly measured physical activity. 5 However, the role that these psychosocial variables play in determining the level of physical activity in Latino preadolescent children, particularly, in those who are obese, remains unknown. HHS Public AccessThe strong influence of family in the Latino community suggests that intervening on selfefficacy, beliefs, and social influences, all of which can be shaped by family influences and parenting, may have a significant and synergistic effect on reducing risk behaviors. This is likely to be true especially in the preadolescent period, which constitutes a period of significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. 15 Therefore, the preadolescent period offers...

Culturally-grounded diabetes prevention program for obese Latino youth: Rationale, design, and methods

“…[32] Within Latino children however, social support from friends and family is significantly and positively correlated with physical activity. [33] Given that social support for physical activity is a primary predictor of activity levels over time in youth[34] and social support is an important predictor of health-related QoL in obese youth[35], we believe this construct may be a critical theoretical mechanism underlying improvements in health behaviors and outcomes. Social support will be assessed using the PACE + Physical Activity and Diet Survey for Adolescents.…”

Changing Overweight Latino Preadolescent Body Mass Index: The Effect of the Parent-Child Dyad

“…In fact the Latino cultural notion of respeto (respect), seems consistent with this interpretation. 26 Another explanation derives from our prior work, 12 where we noted that social influences significantly predicted self-reported baseline physical activity for Latino parent- preadolescent child dyads. Studies of Latino adults have demonstrated the importance of social and family support.…”

“…9 Psychosocial determinants (such as, self-efficacy and social influences,) influence physical activity in African-American and White populations, 9-11 however, limited data exist on what works with Latinos. 12 …”

Physical activity by children: an analysis based on Social Network Theory

“…Moreover, overweight and obese girls did not meet the recommended number of steps/day for their age. The lack of social support from adults and peers for overweight girls can negatively affect the practice of PA, as indicated by a study performed by Gesell 22 . In this regard, modeling and vicarious processes are the fundamental means by which children´s behavior is acquired and existing patterns may be modified driving self-efficacy for PA 42,43 .…”

“…Moreover, little research has been done to identify differences and key actors of Hispanic children´s social networks in different contexts or settings 21,22 . Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the structure of the social networks pertaining to the practice of structured and unstructured PA by Mexican children, in both the school and the community contexts.…”