Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among US Hispanic/Latino Youth: The SOL Youth Study

Physical activity and sedentary behavior among diverse Hispanic/Latino youth in the United States is not well documented. The aim of this study was to describe physical activity and sedentary behavior among a representative sample of Hispanic/Latino youth from four US communities using accelerometry and self-reported measures.

From 2012 to 2014, 1466 Hispanic/Latino youth ages 8 to 16 yr, children of participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, enrolled in the SOL youth. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed by interview. After this, youth wore an Actical accelerometer for 1 wk. All statistical analyses accounted for the complex survey design and used sampling weights.

The accelerometer wear time adjusted mean minutes per day was: 604.6, sedentary; 178.9, light; 25.4, moderate; and 10.2, vigorous. Generally, higher levels of moderate and vigorous activity occurred among males, Mexican backgrounds, and youth age 8 to 10 yr compared with older age groups. Higher levels of sedentary behavior occurred among youth age 15 to 16 yr compared with younger age groups. The most common activities (reported, ≥1 per month) were of lower intensity, including listening to music (91.9%), homework (87.0%), riding in car/bus (84.3%), and hanging out with friends (83.4%). Common active pursuits included travel by walking (74.6%), physical education class (71.7%), running (71.4%), and recess (71.3%).

Time, intensity, and type of physical activity and sedentary behavior varied among Hispanic/Latino youth. These findings can inform efforts to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among US Hispanic/Latino youth.