Environmental constraints on leisure time physical activity among Latino urban residents

Abstract

While there exists growing research on the environmental correlates of physical activity among the mainstream American population, evidence of the effects of environmental constraints on leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among minority groups in this country is lacking. Moreover, the existing literature on the constraints on LTPA among minorities has concentrated primarily on socio‐cultural issues. In light of this, the objective of this study was to investigate environmental constraints on LTPA experienced by Latino residents of two predominantly low‐income minority communities in the city of Chicago, IL. Four focus groups with residents and 11 in‐depth interviews with community stakeholders were conducted between June 2007 and December 2008. The findings of the study showed that lack of access to natural environments suitable for LTPA, poor maintenance of parks, inability to obtain recreation equipment, safety issues, language problems and lack of Spanish‐language information about programmes, racial tensions and discrimination, and traffic problems limited Latino's involvement in LTPA.

Keywords:

• physical activity
• Latinos
• minority urban communities

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the editor and the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on the earlier version of the manuscript and to Juan Carlos Acevedo for his help in conducting the study. This study has been funded by a grant from the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station.