Physical Activity Among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the proportion of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) meeting recommended physical activity guidelines for Americans (PAG) and determine differences in physical activity (PA) by sex and between NHPI and Asians when data are disaggregated. DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis. SettingArticles identified in CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Embase, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SocINDEX, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. ParticipantsNHPI children and adults, and Asian adults. InterventionsProportion of NHPI meeting PAG and differences in PA involvement by sex and by ethnicity. MethodsSummary reporting for articles, and meta-analysis using random-effects and inverse-various weighted models. Conclusions and ImplicationsJust over one-third of NHPI children met the PAG (mean = 38.6%, 95% CI [32.43-45.08]), with more males (42.8%) than females (34.7%) meeting the guidelines (t = 6.74, df = 1, P = .02). Less than half met the PAG for combination (mean = 48.7%, 95% CI [34.69-62.97]), moderate (mean = 47.1%, 95% CI [33.62-61.07]), and about one-third met the PAG for vigorous PA (mean = 33.4%, 95% CI [24.55-43.62]). There were no significant differences between Asians and NHPI in PA. Policy, systems, and environmental changes as well as culturally appropriate interventions are needed to increase physical activity among NHPI.