Associations in physical activity and sedentary behaviour among the immigrant and non-immigrant US population

Immigrants are at a higher risk of poor mental and physical health. Regular participation in physical activity (PA) and low levels of sedentary time are beneficial for both these aspects of health. The aim was to investigate levels and trends in domain-specific PA and sedentary behaviour in the US. immigrant compared with non-immigrant populations.

From the 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a total of 25 142 adults (≥18 years) were included in this analysis. PA and sedentary behaviour time were assessed by a questionnaire.

Transit-related PA showed downward linear trends in young immigrant adults (p_trend=0.006) and middle-aged non-immigrant adults (p_trend=0.009). We found significant upward linear trends in sedentary behaviour for both immigrants and non-immigrants across all age groups. For sitting watching TV or videos ≥2 hours/day, there was a downward linear trend in young immigrant adults (p_trend=0.009). For computer use ≥1 hours/day, an upward linear trend in older non-immigrants was found (p_trend=0.024). Young immigrants spent 37.5 (95% CI -55.4 to -19.6) min less than non-immigrants on recreational PA per week. Also, older immigrants spent 23.5 (95% CI 1.5 to 45.6) and 22.5 (95% CI 5.9 to 39.0) min/week more than non-immigrants on recreational PA and transit-related PA, respectively. Last, young and middle-aged immigrants spent 37.6 (95% CI -68.2 to -7.0) and 37.6 (95% CI -99.7 to -9.7) min/day less than non-immigrants on sedentary behaviour, respectively.

Overall, levels of recreational PA were stable, yet the transit-related PA declined coupled with an increase in sedentary behaviour. US. immigrants exhibit higher levels of transit-PA, lower levels of leisure-time PA and lower levels of sedentary behaviour, in some age groups.