Differences in Meeting Aerobic and Muscle-Strengthening Guidelines among Hispanic Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine differences in meeting the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity by Hispanic subgroup. METHODS: We used cross-sectional 2008-2012 National Health Interview Survey data on Hispanics originating from 5 countries/regions (i.e., Hispanics of Puerto Rican, Mexican/Mexican-American, Cuban/Cuban-American, Dominican and Central or South American origin) aged ≥18 years (n=15,250). Multinomial and binomial logistic regression analyses were used to estimate associations of Hispanic subgroup with meeting aerobic (insufficiently active and sufficiently active versus inactive) and muscle-strengthening activity guidelines (meeting guidelines versus not meeting guidelines). Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, and acculturation [based on nativity (US-born vs. foreign-born) and time spent living in the US (<10 years vs. ≥10 years)]. To measure acculturation, participants were categorized as foreign-born living in the US <10 years, foreign-born living in the US ≥10, and US-born (reference group). Additionally, we examined prevalence of meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity guidelines by acculturation within each Hispanic subgroup. RESULTS: In adjusted binomial models, compared with Mexicans/Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.76; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.63-0.90), Cubans/Cuban-Americans (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.60-0.91), and Dominicans (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.34-0.58) were significantly less likely to meet aerobic activity guidelines (sufficiently active), relative to being inactive. Hispanic subgroup was not associated with meeting muscle-strengthening activity guidelines. Within each subgroup, the prevalence of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity appeared higher among more acculturated individuals for all subgroups except Dominicans. CONCLUSION: Among Hispanics, Hispanic subgroup is associated with meeting aerobic activity guidelines, but not meeting muscle-strengthening guidelines. The prevalence of meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines is lower among more recent immigrants. Aerobic and muscle strengthening physical activity promotion efforts are warranted among Hispanic subpopulations. Variation in physical activity participation in these subpopulations should be considered when tailoring interventions.