Determinants of Physical Activity and Low‐Fat Diet Among Low Income African American and Hispanic Middle School Students

Abstract

African Americans, Hispanics, and those with low income experience disproportionate health problems that can be prevented by physical activity and a lower fat diet. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, antecedents of diet and exercise within the Health Promotion/Transtheoretical Model were examined among low-income African American and Hispanic seventh-grade students (n = 127). Total support was associated with higher physical activity for girls. African Americans perceived greater social support for activity than Hispanics. Family models and support for physical activity and low-fat diet were greater as family income increased. However, higher family role models and lower dietary fat were found among the lowest income Hispanic students' residing ZIP code with a higher concentration of Hispanics and greater availability of Hispanic foods and culture. A school-based approach may be useful to build peer support for physical activity and lower dietary fat. Parish nurse or clinic settings may be most appropriate for building family role models and support. Living in a neighborhood with traditional Hispanic culture and foods appears to have ameliorated the harmful effects of lower income, although further study with larger samples followed over time is needed.

The Theory of Planned Behavior: Predicting Physical Activity in Mexican American Children

“…However, the pattern of differences-with boys reporting more "favorable" cognitions in all four variables where differences were found-is consistent with previous research. For instance, Frenn et al (2005) found that Hispanic boys reported more vigorous physical activity than did girls.…”

“…Hispanic seventh-grade children reported less total support (i.e., from family, peers, and classmates) for PA compared to African American children (Frenn et al, 2005). In a study including over 1,300 Hispanic ninth-and tenthgrade students, from mostly rural schools, Brosnahan et al (2004) examined the relationships among PA, physical education, sadness, and dimensions of suicide.…”

Gender Disparity in Structured Physical Activity and Overall Activity Level in Adolescence: Evaluation of Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data

“…Gender differences in physical activity levels among youth are well documented [1][2][3][4][5]. Less than half the proportion of girls as compared to boys achieve the recommended 60 minutes or more of activity per day in the previous week (11% versus 25%, resp.)…”

A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Instrumental and Emotional Social Support on Physical Activity in Underserved Adolescents in the ACT Trial

“…However, few studies have examined these associations longitudinally or with accelerometry measures of PA in adolescents. Further, although a few cross-sectional studies have examined the association between social support and PA in underserved adolescents (i.e., low income, ethnic minorities) (13, 19, 21, 22), an understanding of the importance of social support provided by family and peers for promoting PA over time remains limited in this population.…”