Self-Reported Physical Activity Patterns Among Low-Income Latina Women In Arizona

Abstract

Adherence to recommendations for PA among adults in the US is poor, particularly among low-income Latinos. In 2009, 53.6% of Hispanics nationwide did not meet the guidelines for 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most, if not all, days of the week. In particular, Latina women are at increased risk for inactivity and chronic illness, but national health survey reports aggregate data across demographic strata, limiting descriptive information that could guide targeted PA promotion. PURPOSE: To determine PA patterns among a very low-income, low acculturated group of Latina women in the southwestern US. METHODS: As part of a large community intervention trial to increase cancer prevention behaviors, PA data were collected from 1,006 Latina women (mean age 39.3 +/- 13.8 years) using a modified version of the Arizona Activity Frequency Questionnaire (AAFQ). RESULTS: At baseline, the total average daily PA reported in minutes was 89.98 (+/- 147.71) for those reporting any exercise (10% reporting no exercise). Per specific activity, the total average daily minutes were: Walking, 44.11 (+/- 11.60; n=498); Jogging, 11.05 (+/- 28.68; n=165); Dancing, 17.78 (+/- 40.53; n=258); Light yard work, 19.99 (+/- 40.53; n=445); Lifting, 43.01 (+/- 85.25; n=397); Heavy yard work, 40.79 (+/- 85.49; n=45); Cleaning, 80.42 (+/- 111.51; n=305); Biking, 8.35 (+/-5.65; n=73); and Swimming, 25.59 (+/- 31.70, n=57). In categories with >300 participants reporting PA (Walking, Lifting, Light yard work, Cleaning), there is a bimodal distribution showing very low and very high levels of PA. CONCLUSION: In this sample Latina women, the average daily PA minutes/day exceeds the current PA recommendations. PA categories for which women reported highest levels of activity are those that may be tied to very active jobs. Among the lowest income Latinas, differences in low and high levels of PA suggests the need to target PA promotion efforts to population segments with differing profiles.