Acculturation and leisure-time physical inactivity in Mexican American adults: results from NHANES III, 1988-1994

Am J Public Health. 2001 Aug;91(8):1254-7. doi: 10.2105/ajph.91.8.1254.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between acculturation and leisure-time physical inactivity among Mexican American adults.

Methods: Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we estimated the prevalence of physical inactivity according to place of birth and language used at home.

Results: Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans had a higher prevalence of physical inactivity during leisure time than those who spoke mostly English, independent of place of birth.

Conclusions: Acculturation seems to be positively associated with participation in leisure-time physical activity.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology*
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior / ethnology*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities / psychology*
  • Male
  • Mexican Americans / psychology
  • Mexican Americans / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology