Ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity among midlife women.
OBJECTIVE
This paper is a report of a study of factors associated with ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity levels among midlife women.


BACKGROUND
Most studies on physical activity have focused mostly on identifying correlates of physical activity. However, 'ethnicity/race' as a factor affecting exercise and leisure time physical activity has rarely been considered.


METHODS
This study was a secondary analysis of data from a larger Internet study on menopausal symptoms of midlife women from four ethnic groups in the United States of America. A total of 441 women aged 40-60 years were recruited through the Internet from 31 January 2005 to 31 December 2007. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, analysis of variance and multiple regressions.


RESULTS
Non-Hispanic White people had a statistically significantly higher level of leisure time physical activity than Asian Americans and Hispanics. African Americans reported the lowest level of exercise. Body mass index was inversely associated with exercise among African Americans. Menopausal symptoms were positively associated with exercise among non-Hispanic White people and African Americans. Employment and number of children had a statistically significantly inverse association with exercise among Asian Americans.


CONCLUSIONS
Correlates of exercise are ethnic-specific. The dual role situation of working outside and inside their homes is an important factor in explaining the lower participation of exercise among Asian Americans. Health factors influence exercise participation in non-Hispanic White people, African Americans and Hispanics. Nurses should take into account ethnic diversities when designing physical activity interventions for women.
Lee
Seung Hee
SH
Department of Nursing, Catholic Sangji College, Yulse-dong, Andong City, Gyeongbuk Province, South Korea. woaiyoung@gmail.com
Im
Eun-Ok
EO
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001213:Asian / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors