Abstract P332: Socio-environmental Influences on Youth Total Sedentary Time: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latino Youth

Abstract

Introduction: Sedentary behavior (SED) is associated with higher obesity and cardiometabolic risk in youth, independent of physical activity. Studies showing the association between screen time and SED among Hispanics/Latinos, have primarily focused on Mexican-origin Hispanics. Additional research is needed to examine other socio-environmental factors that can influence SED among diverse Hispanics/Latinos. This cross-sectional study examined the home-, neighborhood-, and school- environment to identify factors associated with total sedentary time among youth. Methods: Data from 1,104 youth ages 8-16 years and 728 caregivers (mean age 43.1 ± 8.2 years) from four U.S. cities, who participated in the Study of Latino Youth (2012-2014), were examined. Associations between socio-environmental factors (measured by self-report) and total sedentary time (measured by one-week Actical accelerometry) were examined in linear regression models that included MVPA minutes/day, demographic covariates, and accounted for the complex survey design and sampling weights. Results: Mean sedentary time was 10.1 ± 1.8 hours/day. Home environment factors, such as electronics in the bedroom and parent limit setting, were not associated with total sedentary time. Presence of barriers to physical activity in the neighborhood (e.g., muggings, gangs) was associated with 13.4 more minutes of sedentary time per day. Attending a school that never/rarely compared to sometimes offered after school physical activity opportunities was associated with more sedentary time (B=38.0 minutes/day; 95% Confidence Interval: 13.5-62.4). Conclusions: The study findings highlight the need for future research to investigate other sources of sedentary behavior in the home for interventionist to focus on specific SED-based strategies to decrease sedentary time among youth. Minimizing barriers by identifying safe places to be active in participant’s neighborhoods may also support youth to spend less time indoors where sedentary time is prevalent.