Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among US Hispanic/Latino Youth: The SOL Youth Study

Abstract

Purpose:

Physical activity and sedentary behavior among diverse United States’ (US) Hispanic/Latino youth is not well documented. The aim of this study was to describe physical activity and sedentary behavior among a representative sample of Hispanic/Latino youth from four US communities using accelerometry and self-reported measures.

Methods:

From 2012–2014, 1466 Hispanic/Latino youth ages 8 to 16 years, children of participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), enrolled in the SOL Youth. Physical activity and sedentary behavior was assessed by interview. Following this, youth wore an Actical accelerometer for one week. All statistical analyses accounted for the complex survey design and used sampling weights.

Results:

The accelerometer wear time adjusted mean minutes/day was: 604.6 sedentary, 178.9 light, 25.4 moderate, and 10.2 vigorous. Generally, higher levels of moderate and vigorous activity occurred among males, Mexican backgrounds, and youth 8–10 years old compared to older age groups. Higher levels of sedentary behavior occurred among youth 15–16 years old compared to younger age groups. The most common activities (reported >=1/month) were of lower intensity, including listening to music (91.9%), homework (87.0%), riding in car/bus (84.3%), and hanging out with friends (83.4%). Common active pursuits included travel by walking (74.6%), physical education class (71.7%), running (71.4%), and recess (71.3%).

Conclusion:

Time, intensity, and type of physical activity and sedentary behavior varied among Hispanic/Latino youth. These findings can inform efforts to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among US Hispanic/Latino youth.