Time in the United States and walking for physical activity among Black Californians: Findings from the California Health Interview Survey (2012–2017)

Background

No studies examine associations between acculturation and physical activity (PA) in California's foreign-born Black population, even though rates of PA are lower in Black populations, lower PA rates are a risk for cardiovascular disease, and this population is growing. Further, despite differences in CVD and PA by sex and mental health status; no studies have examined whether these factors modify associations between acculturation and PA.

Methods

We used the California Health Interview Survey (2012–2017) and fully adjusted, survey-weighted regression models to examine associations between time in the US as a proxy for acculturation (i.e., foreign-born <10 years in the US, foreign-born ≥10 years in the US) and walking for PA [leisure time (LTPA) and transportation-related (TRPA)] among Black Californians (n = 5,952). We also tested effect modification by sex and mental health status.

Results

About 7 % in the sample were foreign-born. In the adjusted model of TRPA, the odds of walking for PA were significantly higher in the foreign-born group living <10 years in the US (OR = 8.63; 95 %CI: 2.49, 29.86; p < 0.01) and no different in the foreign-born group living ≥10 years in the US (OR = 1.05; 95 % CI: 0.62, 1.75; p = 0.85), compared to US-born Black Californians. We found no effect modification of the associations by sex or mental health, except by frequency of feeling depressed.

Conclusion

Some foreign-born Black Californians have higher odds of walking for PA related to transportation than their US-born counterparts. Future research is needed to examine the role of mental health status on PA levels of this immigrant group.