Social Support Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

O verweight and obesity have been noted as major health problems among Hispanics, particularly Hispanic women. Data indicates that approximately 39% of Hispanic women are overweight, with 47% having a body mass index (BMI) .27. Mexican Americans exhibit the highest rate of obesity and the lowest rate of physical activity among Hispanic populations. Physical activity both prevents and helps to treat many established coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, including obesity and its associated risks. Healthy People objectives pertaining to adults include increasing the number of adults who participate in physical activity. Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that Hispanics were 2.09 times more likely to report inadequate levels of physical activity compared with non-Hispanic whites. Given these data, there is growing concern over the substantial public health burden of sedentary lifestyle among Hispanic women. Community-based interventions offer important opportunities to decrease premature morbidity, disability, and enhance the health status of underserved populations. However, the few community-based interventions designed to promote physical activity among Hispanic women have shown varying degrees of effectiveness. Further, culturally relevant, theory-driven interventions designed to foster support systems and supportive environments to promote physical activity are few. The combination of health risks for disease, disability, and mortality, particularly among underserved populations, might be best addressed through programs designed to enhance awareness and develop resources within a context of community support. Integrative, theory-driven designs for community-based interventions have