Acculturation and physical activity among immigrants: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim The acculturation process presents numerous challenges that could benefit or adversely affect immigrants' health practices. The goal of this review was to present a systematic summary of studies examining the relationship between acculturation and physical activity among immigrants and ethnic minority populations. Subjects and methods Systematic review based on 44 original studies found in electronic databases (Psychinfo/ Psyndex, Eric, Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, SportDiscus). Studies were eligible if they were written in English, German or French, incorporated a measure of acculturation and physical activity, exercise, or sport as independent and dependent variables, and provided statistical information to judge the level of significance. The 44 studies found included 760,242 participants. A narrative synthesis was performed. Causality of effects was examined based on seven criteria: consistency, strength of associations, specificity of effects, temporality, gradient, plausibility and experimental evidence. Results Acculturation was associated with higher leisure time physical activity in 57% of all studies (even after controlling for potential confounds), independent of participants' gender, age and ethnic background. The main limitations of this review are that findings were not weighted for sample size and that publication biases might have contributed to an overestimation of the relationships. Conclusion Prevention programs aimed at stimulating participation in physical activity among immigrants should give priority to individuals with low acculturation levels and it should consider culturally specific beliefs and constraints. Additionally, prevention programs could make an effort to promote acculturation among immigrants. Future studies should use longitudinal designs which include objective assessments of physical activity and which use multidimensional and bidirectional definitions of acculturation.

Long-term Surveillance of Physical Activity Habits of Latinas Enrolled in a 12-Month Physical Activity Intervention

“…This finding is inconsistent with Gerber’s systematic review which found physical activity to be positively associated with acculturation. 25 Greater health literacy was positively associated with physical activity levels in this population. This finding is consistent with a previous study showing a positive relation between physical activity and health literacy in older adults.…”

Acculturation and health behaviors among international students: A qualitative approach

“…Evidence of physical activity is inconsistent in terms of whether international students become more or less active after arriving in the US. In a review study, Gerber et al (2012) reported that among 44 studies that examined the relationship between acculturation and physical activity, 57% reported that acculturation was associated with higher leisure time physical activity, depending on gender, age, and ethnic background (Gerber et al, 2012). In another study, Yan and Cardinal (2013) found that Chinese international female students became more physically active after they arrived in the US.…”

The benefits of in-group contact through physical activity involvement for health and well-being among Korean immigrants

“…In a systematic examination of 44 articles associated with acculturation and physical activity, Gerber, Barker, and Puhse (2012) found that more than 50% of all studies showed that acculturation is positively associated with physical activity involvement. Kandula and Lauderdale (2005) examined the relationship between physical activity and acculturation among Asian Americans.…”