Tag: Tasia Smith

Latinx Perceptions of Their Environment: The Examination of Neighborhood Walkability by Region in a National Latinx Sample.

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.

Examining Risk and Protective Factors in the Relationship Between Discrimination Stress and Body Mass Index (BMI) In a Sample of Latinx Adults.

Presenter(s): Cassidy Bender – Biology

Faculty Mentor(s): Tasia Smith, Jonathan Pedroza

Poster 135

Research Area: Social Science

In 2016, the State of Obesity Organization reported that Latinx populations (47.8%) have a higher obesity rate when compared to non-Latinx White populations (32.6%). Depressive symptoms are one factor that has been found to be associated with obesity. Studies show greater depressive symptoms are associated with increased obesity in Latinx populations; however, research has not focused on the protective and risk factors between depression and obesity, such as discrimination stress and social support. Discrimination stress, which is associated with depressive symptoms and obesity, may serve as a mediator in predicting obesity in Latinx populations. While discrimination stress may help in explaining the connection between depressive symptoms and obesity, protective factors, like social support may buffer the relationship. Latinx populations have shown positive outcomes when receiving social support for depressive symptoms, which may buffer potential increases in Latinx obesity. The purpose of the present study is to examine discrimination stress as a mediator and social support as a moderator of the relationship between depression and obesity within Latinx adults. A national sample of Latinx adults (N=800) was recruited using Qualtrics Panel to participate in an online survey. Depressive symptoms, discrimination stress, social support, and BMI, a measure of obesity will be assessed through self-report measures. Predicted findings are that discrimination stress will further explain the depression and obesity relationship while social support will decrease the relationship’s strength. Unique variations within the Latinx community may be unveiled, allowing for the development of culturally sensitive depression prevention programs.