Physical activity participation by parental language use in 4th, 8th, and 11th grade students in Texas, USA.
Research on physical activity (PA) by level of acculturation in Hispanic children is limited and findings have been mixed. We examined PA participation by primary language used with parents in a representative sample of 4th, 8th, and 11th grade Texas public school students. Mixed-effects regression models were conducted using cross-sectional data from the 2004-2005 School Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (n = 22,049). Self-reported PA was compared among three language-ethnic groups: Spanish-Hispanic (SH) (referent); English-Hispanic (EH); and English-Other (EO). EH and/or EO girls were generally between 1.25 and 2.58 [OR] times more likely to participate in PA across grade levels, with the largest differences found for school sports in 8th grade girls. EH and EO 8th grade boys were 1.71 (CI: 1.40, 2.10) and 2.06 (CI: 1.68, 2.51) times, respectively, more likely to participate in school sports. Findings indicate important disparities in Spanish-speaking Hispanic children's PA participation.
Michael & Susan Dell Center for Advancement of Healthy Living, University of Texas School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, Suite #220, Austin, TX 78701, USA. Andrew.E.Springer@uth.tmc.edu
Andrew E
AE
Springer
Kayan
K
Lewis
Steven H
SH
Kelder
Maria E
ME
Fernandez
Cristina S
CS
Barroso
Deanna M
DM
Hoelscher
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D013781:Texas