Exploring How Neighborhood Environment Perceptions Moderate the Health Benefits of Movement Behaviors Among Latinos in Los Angeles.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined how the potential health benefits of movement behaviors - physical activity (PA), sedentary time, and sleep - vary by neighborhood perceptions among Latinos.

Design: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from churchgoing Latino adults participating in an ongoing randomized controlled trial to promote PA.

Setting: East Los Angeles, California, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Sample: Sample of 728 churchgoing Latinos (77% female, mean age 52 years).

Measures: Movement behaviors included self-reported leisure-time PA and sleep duration, and accelerometer-based sedentary time. Survey assessed perceived neighborhood crime safety, traffic safety, aesthetics, and social cohesion. Outcomes included self-reported stress, depressive symptoms, diabetes, and hypertension; and objectively-measured body mass index.

Analysis: Linear or logistic regression assessed associations of the movement behaviors with neighborhood measures, and their interactions, in relation to the health outcomes.

Results: Sleep was associated with lower perceived stress [B(SE) = -0.41 (0.09), P < .0001] and major depression [OR, 95% CI = 0.54, 0.42-0.69]. Leisure-time MVPA was associated with lower obesity [OR, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.41-0.88] and sedentary time was associated with higher diabetes [OR, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.00-1.05]. Perceived neighborhood safety from crime, social cohesion, and aesthetics had significant interactions with movement behaviors (P < 0.05) in relation to four outcomes.

Conclusion: Interaction models suggest interventions targeting neighborhood crime safety, aesthetics, and social cohesion may be key for maximizing the health benefits of movement behaviors among Latinos.