摘要：Objectives. This study examined the relationship between acculturation and leisure-time physical inactivity among Mexican American adults. Methods. Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we estimated the prevalence of physical inactivity according to place of birth and language used at home. Results. Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans had a higher prevalence of physical inactivity during leisure time than those who spoke mostly English, independent of place of birth. Conclusions. Acculturation seems to be positively associated with participation in leisure-time physical activity. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease and other chronic diseases that disproportionately affect Hispanics. 1 – 4 Mexican Americans are the largest subgroup of Hispanics and have a higher prevalence of physical inactivity during leisure time than non-Hispanic Whites. 3 This difference persists even after socioeconomic status is controlled for. 5 Although Hispanics engage in more occupational physical activity than non-Hispanic Whites, leisure-time inactivity has been found to be higher among Mexican Americans who are blue-collar workers than among non-Hispanic Whites who are blue-collar workers. 5 , 6 Other sociocultural factors may be influencing this health behavior. Acculturation, the merging of cultures as a result of prolonged contact, may influence health practices. 7 , 8 Among Hispanics in the United States, measures of acculturation include a combination of language preference, place of birth, and the language ability and place of birth of parents. 9 – 14 Patterns of alcohol abuse, tobacco use, eating disorders, and unhealthy dietary practices are stronger among Mexican Americans who are more acculturated than among those less acculturated. 9 – 12 Little is known about the impact of acculturation on participation in leisure-time physical activity. The purpose of this report is to examine the relationship between acculturation and the prevalence of physical inactivity during leisure time among Mexican Americans.
