Activity and obesity of Colombian immigrants in Canada who use a food bank.
The purpose of this study was to provide some preliminary description of the Latin-Canadian community by reporting the socioeconomic status, physical activity, and weight status (i.e., healthy weight, overweight, or obese status) of Colombians newly immigrated to London, Ontario Canada. Face-to-face interviews were conducted on a convenience sample of 77 adult Colombian immigrant food bank users (46.8% men; mean age 39.9 yr., SD=11.8). Physical activity was gauged using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and self-report Body Mass Index, and sociodemographic data were collected. Of respondents, 47% had a university education, and 97% received social support. 61% met recommended levels of physical activity. Men were more active, being involved in about 130 min. more of exercise per week, and more men were overweight than women (63.9% versus 39.0%, respectively). Of respondents, 73% reported being less active than before coming to Canada. This pilot study indicates that Latin-Canadian immigrants are a vulnerable group in need of acculturational support. Further study is warranted.
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.
Victor
V
Ng
Timothy J
TJ
Rush
Meizi
M
He
Jennifer D
JD
Irwin
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003105:Colombia / Q000208:ethnology; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D009864:Ontario; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000706:statistics & numerical data