J Nurs Scholarsh

PurposeTo explore correlates of meeting recommended physical activity (PA) among middle-aged and older Korean Americans at risk for diabetes mellitus (DM).Design and MethodsPA patterns and their correlates were assessed among 292 middle-aged and older Korean Americans at risk for DM living in New York City (NYC) using cross-sectional design of baseline information from a diabetes prevention intervention. PA was assessed by self-report of moderate and vigorous activity, results were stratified by age group (45-64 and 65-75), and bivariate analyses compared individuals performing less than sufficient PA and individuals performing sufficient PA. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios predicting sufficient PA.FindingsAfter adjusting for sex, age group, years lived in United States, marital status, health insurance and body mass index (BMI), sufficient PA was associated with male sex, older age, lower BMI, eating vegetables daily, and many PA-specific questions (lack of barriers, confidence, and engagement). When stratified by age group, male sex and eating vegetables daily was no longer significant among Koreans age 65 to 75 years of age, and BMI was not significant for either age group.ConclusionsPA interventions targeting this population may be beneficial and should consider the roles of sex, age, physical and social environment, motivation, and self-efficacy.Clinical RelevanceClinical providers should understand the unique motivations for PA among Korean Americans and recognize the importance of culturally driven strategies to enable lifestyle changes and support successful aging for diverse populations.U48 DP001904/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHSUnited States/UL1 TR001445/TR/NCATS NIH HHSUnited States/1U48DP001904-01/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHSUnited States/U58 DP001022/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHSUnited States/R24MD001691/MD/NIMHD NIH HHSUnited States/U54 MD000538/MD/NIMHD NIH HHSUnited States/P60 MD000538/MD/NIMHD NIH HHSUnited States/UL1 TR000038/TR/NCATS NIH HHSUnited States/U48 DP005008/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHSUnited States/R24 MD001691/MD/NIMHD NIH HHSUnited States