Participation in Physical Activity Among Normal‐ and Overweight Hispanic and Non‐Hispanic White Adolescents

Abstract

Hispanic and NHW high school students reported participation in different PAs; this information may be useful for planning health and physical education curriculum.

Gender Differences in Sociodemographic and Behavioral Influences of Physical Activity in Mexican-Origin Adolescents

“…Approximately one-third of participants were obese, compared with 22% of Mexican American adolescents nationally. 1 Similarly, although Hispanics watch more TV than non-Hispanic whites, 19, 24 extended TV viewing (>2 hours/weekday) was more prevalent in our sample (73%) relative to national estimates among Mexican-origin adolescents (38%). 24 These findings are disconcerting and warrant further investigation regarding the reasons for such elevated rates of obesity and sedentary behavior in this population.…”

“…22 First-generation Mexican-origin adolescents have lower household incomes and maternal education, and live in greater linguistic isolation compared to adolescents of second or higher generations. 23 In addition, Hispanic youth watch considerably more television than non-Hispanic whites 19, 24 and attend schools that are less likely to require physical education (PE). 25 These demographic and behavioral characteristics may influence the ability of Mexican-origin youth to develop and maintain an active lifestyle.…”

Influence of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture on Childhood Obesity: Implications for Prevention and Treatment

“…When recommending a physical activity program, it is important to take into account cultural and sex preferences. For example, a dance program for African American girls (68) and resistance training for Latino boys (69) have shown good acceptance.…”

Contribution of Athletic Identity to Child and Adolescent Physical Activity

“…For example, across four race/ethnicity groups of adolescents in the nationally representative Add Health sample, MVPA was lowest in non-Hispanic black and Hispanic girls 21. Similarly, varsity sport participation has been low in these two groups,22 and in overweight or obese Hispanic girls 23. More knowledge is needed about the complex, demographic relationships with physical activity and sports team that may exist in both children and adolescents, along with a better understanding of the role that athletic identity may play in promoting physical activity behavior over and beyond the impact of fundamental demographic factors that have been linked with physical activity.…”