Abstract 16455: Family Support for Physical Activity Predicts Engagement in Leisure Time Physical Activity Among Hispanic Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease or Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Hispanics in the U.S. are less likely to engage in leisure time physical activity than non-Hispanics. Among Hispanics, families influence health behaviors and family support may motivate adults at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) to participate in physical activity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether family support predicts engagement in leisure time physical activity among Hispanic adults at risk for CVD or T2D. Methods: Baseline data from Hispanic adults at risk for CVD or T2D were analyzed. Family support for leisure time physical activity was measured using the Family Support subscale of the Social Support for Physical Activity instrument. This consists of 7 items with response options ranging from never (0) to always (4). Sum scores range from 0 to 28 and higher scores indicate greater family support for engagement in physical activity. Leisure time physical activity was measured using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) physical activity subscale. This consists of eight items with response options ranging from never (1) to routinely (4) with higher mean scores indicating higher levels of engagement in leisure time physical activity. Linear regression was used to examine the association between family support and leisure time physical activity, controlling for age, sex, race, financial comfort, education, acculturation, years living in the U.S, marital status, and employment. Results: Participants (N=182) were 40±9 years old; 82.7% were female. The mean HPLP-II score was 1.7±0.5, reflecting low engagement in leisure time physical activity. Results of the regression analysis indicated that greater family support predicted higher levels of engagement in leisure time physical activity (F(10,171)=2.717, p<.004; R 2 =.137). Conclusions: Family support for physical activity may increase engagement in leisure time physical activity in Hispanic adults at risk for CVD or T2D. Interventions that promote family support for physical activity could be an important avenue for reducing CVD and T2D risk in this population group.