Physical Activity in Latin American Immigrant Adults Living in Seville, Spain.
BACKGROUND
Self-rated health status of the Latin American immigrant population in Spain varies by gender, education and doing physical exercise. Physical activity patterns have not been described.


OBJECTIVE
The aims are to describe self-reported physical activity in adult Latin American immigrants living in Seville (Spain) and explore relationships of physical activity with sociodemographic and health-related variables.


METHODS
A representative sample of 190 immigrants between the ages of 25 and 44 years who live in Seville responded to the Centers for Disease Control's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Spanish-language version) from May 2010 through May 2011.


RESULTS
Physical activity (PA) was practiced by 66.8% during leisure time, 49.2% had a normal weight, and 20.5% were on a diet. The practice of PA was higher in women who had a normal weight, a good state of health and a higher education. Older age was associated with exercising during free time.


CONCLUSIONS
Population-specific strategies are needed to improve the practice of PA among Latin American immigrants in Spain. Research focused on other emerging immigrant groups is needed.
José Rafael González-López, PhD, MS, RN, is Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Nursing Department, University of Seville, Spain. María de los Ángeles Rodríguez-Gázquez, PhD, MS, RN, is Associate Professor, Nursing Faculty, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. María de las Mercedes Lomas-Campos, PhD, MD, is Full Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Nursing Department, University of Seville, Spain.
José Rafael
JR
González-López
María de Los Ángeles
Mde L
Rodríguez-Gázquez
María de Las Mercedes
Mde L
Lomas-Campos
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007197:Indians, Central American / Q000523:psychology*; D007843:Latin America / Q000208:ethnology; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology