Physical activity in Arab women in Southern California.
BACKGROUND
The limited research of Arab women suggests that most are sedentary. Given the known health benefits of physical activity suggests that the study of physical activity of women in Southern California where the climate favors year round outdoor activities is warranted.


OBJECTIVE
To describe Arab women's cardiovascular risk factors (CVD): physical activity levels, self-efficacy, and determinants of physical inactivity and their preferences for physical activity programs.


METHODS
This cross-sectional design used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale, Choose to Move Questionnaire, and "How America Measures Up" Questionnaire.


RESULTS
The mean age of the 180 women was 37.6 (±12.9). Most (91.1%) had ≥high school education, 68.9% were married, and 24.4% were below poverty level. CVD risk factors were: hypertension 20.6%; hyperlipidemia 21.1%; diabetes 10%; and excess weight in 60%. Their self-efficacy scores were 39.2 (±18.2); and 46.2% were sedentary. A logistic regressions analysis found statistically significant determinant(s) for physical inactivity performance were low self-efficacy score and "not being born in the U.S."


CONCLUSIONS
These young Arab women are considerably physically inactive and overweight. The findings from our study can guide culturally relevant health promotion programs in Arab women who have unique needs and preferences.
Qahoush
Rafat
R
California School of Health Sciences, Garden Grove, 92840, United States. rqahoush@cshs.edu
Stotts
Nancy
N
Alawneh
Manal S
MS
Froelicher
Erika Sivarajan
ES
D000328:Adult; D018912:Arabs; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009043:Motor Activity; D050177:Overweight / Q000208:ethnology; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D055815:Young Adult