| Description |
Racial and ethnic disparities in health behaviors have been well observed in the United States. Among the individual mechanisms, socioeconomic status (SES) and acculturation seem to have substantive impact, while such impact is not consistent in existing literature and has been particularly understudied across ethnic subgroups. This study aims to examine patterns and mechanisms of racial/ethnic disparities in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) across Whites, Blacks, and major Latino and Asian subgroups. Using cross-sectional data from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey, I examine to what extent racial/ethnic disparities in adults' participation of LTPA exist. I also examine how individual predictors of SES and acculturation, particularly household income, educational attainment, citizenship status, duration in the U.S., and English proficiency, mediate for such disparities. Results confirm that racial/ethnic minorities are generally less likely than Whites to meet the recommended LTPA level, while heterogeneity is also evident across Latino and Asian ethnicities. Blacks, Mexicans, Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and all major Asian ethnicities except Japanese are shown to be significantly less likely for LTPA. Moreover, although educational attainment and duration in the U.S. are shown as significant predictors, the effects of SES and acculturation vary across minority groups. SES seems to be an important mediator for blacks and Latinos, while acculturation seems important for Latinos and Asians. However, most of the group disparities remain unexplained, and further study may need to focus on other potential mediators such as neighborhood and environmental factors. |
