Factors Associated with Black & Latina Women Meeting the US Federal Physical Activity Guidelines: Secondary Analysis of NHIS Data

Background: Not meeting physical activity guidelines is a major public health concern. Studies show that Black and Latina women have general lower levels of physical activity (PA) than White women and are therefore at higher risk for chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. The purpose of this study is to analyze National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data to determine what factors, if any may contribute to Black and Latina women between the ages of 18 and 47, adhering to the federal PA guidelines. Identifying these factors will help in the development of PA promotion programs aimed at increasing adherence to the federal PA guidelines among minority women. Method: Secondary analysis of data from the National Health Interview Survey 2008–2014 was analyzed to determine factors which may be associated with PA adherence among Black (N = 23,162) and Latina (N = 37,103) women. Results: Logit modeling examined mean differences between groups and related variables. Blacks are more likely to meet muscle-strength guidelines with increased education and increased income. Latinas are more likely to meet muscle-strength as education and US acculturation increases. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of understanding and considering racial/ethnic differences when developing strategies for promotion of PA among minority women. Identifying strategies and factors for increasing PA is a major step toward reducing risk factors associated with inadequate PA. Practitioners should be aware of these results and trends when discussing PA recommendations with their patients