title: Utility of Acculturation in Physical Activity Research in Latina Adults: An Integrative Review of Literature.
abstract: Latina adults in the United States have a disproportionately higher prevalence of chronic diseases related to low physical activity levels than non-Hispanic women. Literature indicates that acculturation may be a contributing factor to being physically active, but the extent of this association remains unclear. An integrative review of literature was conducted on studies that examined acculturation as it relates to physical activity in Latinas in the United States. Our review of 33 studies revealed inconsistent measurement and conceptualization of acculturation and physical activity across studies. Findings from this review reinforce the importance and continued use of acculturation by behavioral researchers; however, acculturation, as conceptualized in the studies reviewed, may not have had an influence on health as much as traditions, life patterns, and resources of Latinas.
authors.affiliation: Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA Tanya.Benitez@asu.edu.
authors.forename: Tanya J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Benitez
authors.affiliation: Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Joan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Dodgson
authors.affiliation: Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Coe
authors.affiliation: Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keller
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States
keywords: Hispanic; Latino; culture; exercise; health disparities; women