Exploring How Neighborhood Environment Perceptions Moderate the Health Benefits of Movement Behaviors Among Latinos in Los Angeles

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined how the potential health benefits of movement behaviors – physical activity (PA), sedentary time, and sleep – vary by neighborhood perceptions among Latinos.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from churchgoing Latino adults participating in an ongoing randomized controlled trial to promote PA.

Setting

East Los Angeles, California, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Sample

Sample of 728 churchgoing Latinos (77% female, mean age 52 years).

Measures

Movement behaviors included self-reported leisure-time PA and sleep duration, and accelerometer-based sedentary time. Survey assessed perceived neighborhood crime safety, traffic safety, aesthetics, and social cohesion. Outcomes included self-reported stress, depressive symptoms, diabetes, and hypertension; and objectively-measured body mass index.

Analysis

Linear or logistic regression assessed associations of the movement behaviors with neighborhood measures, and their interactions, in relation to the health outcomes.

Results

Sleep was associated with lower perceived stress [B(SE) = −0.41 (0.09), P < .0001] and major depression [OR, 95% CI = 0.54, 0.42-0.69]. Leisure-time MVPA was associated with lower obesity [OR, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.41-0.88] and sedentary time was associated with higher diabetes [OR, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.00-1.05]. Perceived neighborhood safety from crime, social cohesion, and aesthetics had significant interactions with movement behaviors (P < 0.05) in relation to four outcomes.

Conclusion

Interaction models suggest interventions targeting neighborhood crime safety, aesthetics, and social cohesion may be key for maximizing the health benefits of movement behaviors among Latinos.