Understanding Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior Among Asian And Asian-pacific Islander Adolescents

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Asian or Asian-Pacific Islander (API) adolescents in the US are at risk of low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behavior. Asians have higher levels of weight-related disease risk compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes increased for Asian immigrants as well depending upon duration of residency in the US. Understanding patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Asian adolescents may facilitate prevention efforts to increase activity and reduce health disparities. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of acculturation, enjoyment of physical activity and mental health factors on levels of physical activity (PA), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior among Asian and API youths. METHODS: A general sample of 9th Grade Asian (n = 560; mean age = 14.5±0.41 years), Asian-Pacific Islander (API: n = 139; mean age = 14.6±0.43 years), and Non-Hispanic White (NHW: n = 544; mean age = 14.6±0.39 years) students completed in-classroom self-report measures of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PAES), mental health functioning (Anhedonia, Depression), and Youth Risk Behavior Survey indices of PA, MVPA, and SB (TV time, non-school related computer time). RESULTS: When compared to NHW, Asian teens reported fewer days of PA (b=-0.34, p<0.05) and fewer days of MVPA (b=-0.45, p<0.01). Levels of activity were similar among NHW and API teens (p>0.10). Asian teens were distinguished by reports of fewer hours of TV time (b= -0.58, p<0.01) compared to API and NHW teens. Computer time was significantly higher among both Asian (b= 0.55, p<0.01) and API (b= 0.61, p<0.01) compared to NHW teens. Across ethnic groups, teens with higher BMI reported more TV time (p<0.01) while poorer mental health uniquely was related with more hours of computer time (p’s<0.01). Lower positive enjoyment of exercise was related to lower PA (b= 0.61, p<0.01), lower MVPA (b= 0.71, p<0.01), and more TV time (b=-0.36, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Asian teens reported significantly lower PA and higher SB than NHW or API teens. Low perceived enjoyment of PA may usefully identify teens at risk for patterns of PA and SB associated with increased health risk.