Environmental Factors Influencing Physical Activity Among Latino Families: A Cross-country Comparison

This study seeks to compare and contrast barriers to engage in physical activity (PA) among Latino parents in the USA and Mexico given different cultural and environmental contents.

Four bilingual and bicultural trained research assistants conducted focus groups in Mexico and the USA RESULTS: There were 33 total participants. Twenty-one mothers were married; most participants had not completed above a high school education. Most participants were full-time stay-at-home mothers (59%). Analyses revealed several topics of discussion related to beliefs and barriers that contributed to family PA engagement: (1) walking is the most common form of PA for families in both countries; (2) parents believe people of all ages and genders can and should be physically active, but there are differences in access, opportunity, and ability; (3) major barriers to engaging in PA are different for those living in Mexico (safety concerns) than in the USA (weather constraints).

These findings have implications for behavioral interventions and understanding how environmental concerns impact Latino families trying to manage healthier lifestyles. Engaging community networks and resources can be a way to combat these barriers to promote PA in all contexts.