Work

Acculturation and Physical Activity Among Latinas Enrolled in a 12-Month Walking Intervention

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: This report evaluates the relationship between acculturation and assimilation with the physical activity (PA) outcomes of a 12-month walking intervention for postpartum Latinas ( n = 81, M age = 29.2 years, M BMI [body mass index] = 30.0). PA was measured by ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers. Acculturation and assimilation were measured by the Hazuda Acculturation and Assimilation Scales. Data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results showed a trend for participants classified in the least acculturated groups to engage in more moderate-to-vigorous PA than participants classified in the higher acculturated/assimilated groups for two dimensions of acculturation (Adult Proficiency in English Versus Spanish, p = .002; Adult Pattern of English Versus Spanish Language Usage, p = .001) and two dimensions of assimilation (Childhood Interaction With Members of Mainstream Society, p = .028; Adult Functional Integration With Mainstream Society, p ≤ .001). No other significant effects were observed. Findings highlight the continued need to understand the context in which acculturation and assimilation influence PA.

Source: Western Journal of Nursing Research

DOI: 10.1177/0193945917692305

Authors: Rodney P. Joseph, Tanya J. Benitez, Barbara E. Ainsworth, Michael Todd, Colleen Keller

Institutions: Arizona State University, University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Physical Activity and Health

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities