ETHNIC AND GEOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR AMONG FIFTH GRADERS

Abstract

1146 This study examined ethnic and geographical influences on children's physical activity and sedentary behavior. As part of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH), 6865 fifth graders (68.5% Caucasian, 15% African-American, 16.5% Hispanic) from California (26%), Louisiana (29%), Minnesota (22%), Texas (23%) completed the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC). SAPAC provided data on the amount, type, and intensity of 21 common physical activities and selected sedentary behavior (e.g., TV, Video, and Computer Games). Results indicated there were significant ethnic differences with Caucasians reporting more daily physical activity (p<.01; Caucasians, 161 min; Hispanics, 155 min; African-Americans, 150 min) and more after-school physical activity (p<.0001; Caucasians, 102 min; Hispanics, 96 min; African-Americans, 88 min). African-Americans were 93% as active as Caucasians for the total day, and 86% as active after school. Total daily physical activity also differed by geographic location (p<.0001; California, 173 min; Minnesota, 172 min; Louisiana, 147 min; and Texas, 142 min). There were ethnic differences in sedentary behavior (p<.0001; African-Americans, 247 min; Hispanics, 194 min; Caucasians, 165 min). There were also geographic differences in sedentary behavior (p<.0001; Louisiana, 229 min; Texas 178 min; California 176 min; Minnesota 132 min). The data suggest researchers and practitioners need to carefully consider ethnic and geographic factors when designing interventions to improve health-related physical activity of children.