Presenter(s): Mikayla Lindsey − Communication Disorders And Sciences, Sociology
Faculty Mentor(s): Tasia Smith, Jonathon Pedroza
Poster 134
Research Area: Social Science
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines, the average adult should engage in 150 minutes of physical activity a week. While many do not meet the requirements, Latinx populations engage in less physical activity than other racial/ethnic groups. A major factor as to why Latinx populations do not engage in enough physical activity is from personal and environmental barriers. Neighborhood walkability, particularly perceived safety and infrastructure, is one barrier that influences physical activity. Research has shown that walkability influences physical activity but was limited to a Mexican American sample in California, while limited research has compared regions of the United States. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether perceptions of neighborhood walkability vary by region in Latinx adults. The national sample of Latinx adults (N = 562; Mage = 39.91 ± 14.70, 59% Female) completed an online survey that assessed regions of the United States and neighborhood walkability. Regional differences of neighborhood walkability were found; F(3, 558) = 5.54, p = .00. Bonferroni’s post hoc test revealed Latinx in the Midwest and the West perceive their neighborhood walkability as better than those in the South. The findings suggest that Latinx communities in different regions of the United States may have different barriers that prevent them from engaging in sufficient levels of physical activity. Future studies should examine the specific barriers that may be more present in southern states in comparison to the Midwest and the West.