Promoting Physical Activity in Hispanic Adults: A Systematic Review of Interventions From 2018-2023

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Hispanic adults face unique barriers to physical activity.
• Culturally tailored interventions are crucial for addressing health disparities.
• Evidence on theory-based physical activity interventions for this population is evolving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the efficacy of theory-based and culturally tailored physical activity interventions for Hispanic adults.
• To identify effective intervention strategies and theoretical frameworks.
• To synthesize findings on physical activity outcomes and barriers.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of multiple databases (Medline, PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, APA PsychInfo, SPORTDiscus) for studies published May 2018-May 2023.
• Inclusion criteria: Hispanic adults, physical activity primary outcome, US-based.
• PRISMA guidelines followed for screening and data extraction; 21 studies included from 1139 articles.

Main Results:

• 13 of 21 studies reported significant physical activity increases, averaging 54-146 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous activity.
• Theory-based interventions (Social Cognitive Theory, Transtheoretical Model) showed higher efficacy.
• Promotor-led and community-based programs demonstrated high engagement, with some achieving 9000 steps/day increases.

Conclusions:

• Culturally tailored, theory-based interventions, especially those using promotores and community collaboration, effectively increase physical activity in Hispanic adults.
• Addressing cultural norms, time, and access barriers is essential.
• Future research should focus on larger samples, diverse recruitment, and long-term sustainability to reduce health disparities.