The association between place of birth and physical fitness among Latino youth: Findings from New York City public school students, 2006–2019

Abstract

Objectives

This study examined physical fitness differences among Latino youth by place of birth (POB) to inform culturally tailored health promotion strategies.

Study design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional data from the New York City FITNESSGRAM (2006–2019) for public school Latino students (grades 4–5) with objectively measured fitness (n = 376,466). Sex-and age-specific performance by POB was assessed using healthy fitness zones (HFZ). Adjusted generalized estimating equations examined associations between POB and number of HFZs met, and also HFZ achievement for aerobic capacity (PACER test), upper body (push-ups) and abdominal (curl-ups) muscular strength and endurance.

Results

The sample (49% females, mean age = 9.36 ± 0.60 years) had an 18.9% prevalence of meeting all three HFZs. Adjusted models showed that, compared to US-(non-NYC) born youth, a significantly lower proportion of NYC-born youth met all three HFZs (PRs = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.90,0.96). For aerobic capacity, Dominican- (PR = 0.93; 95%CI 0.88,0.98) and NYC- (PR = 0.96; 95%CI 0.93, 0.98) born youth had the lowest prevalence of meeting HFZ compared to US-(non-NYC) born youth. For push-ups, NYC-born youth had the lowest prevalence of meeting HFZ (PR = 0.95; 95%CI 0.93,0.96) compared to US-(non-NYC) born youth. For curl-ups, Mexican- (PR = 0.94; 95%CI 0.90, 0.98) born youth had the lowest prevalence of meeting HFZ compared to US-(non-NYC) born youth. Patterns in the POB-HFZ association by sex were similar to patterns for the overall sample.

Conclusions

Fitness heterogeneity among Latino youth highlights the need for tailored programs and policies to reduce health disparities.