Physical Activity and Psychological Health in Latinos
Physical inactivity is a major public health concern in the United States, especially among Latinos who are the largest and fastest growing minority population. Although physical activity had been shown to be beneficial to one's health, Latinos remain extremely sedentary. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and psychological health in Latinos. A narrative and quantitative review of this literature was conducted and data were entered into a statistical program to conduct a meta-analysis, which determined the extent to which physical activity influences psychological health. Reviewing the literature showed many psychological correlates of physical activity among Latinos, with self-efficacy and social support being among the most important factors influencing physical activity. Latinos who were of older age, low social support and low self-efficacy were most likely to be sedentary. Another correlate of being sedentary was level of acculturation, which demonstrated that Latinos who were hardly acculturated had low rates of participation in physical activity. Many barriers among Latinos were examined and it was reported that lack of energy and lack of time due to care-giving duties were the most commonly reported barriers among Latina women. In order to enhance participation among Latinos, an age- and culturally-appropriate intervention program must be implemented based on the identified psychological correlates of physical activity.
School:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department:
N/A
Research Advisor:
Edward McAuley
Department of Research Advisor:
Kinesiology
Year of Publication:
2002