Journal of International Migration and Integration
Volume 17, Issue 4, 2016, Pages 1231-1250

Socio-Cultural Determinants of Physical Activity among Latin American Immigrant Women in Alberta, Canada (Article)

Ramos Salas X.* , Raine K. , Vallianatos H. , Spence J.C.
  • a Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405 – 87 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
  • b Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, 4-308 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405 – 87 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
  • c Department of Anthropology, University of Alberta, 13-22 Tory Building, HM, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H4, Canada
  • d Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, W1-16H Van Vliet Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H9, Canada

Abstract

Acculturation has been associated with decreased physical activity among immigrants. This study assessed the process of changing physical activity patterns within the context of Latin American immigrant women’s migration experiences to Canada. Using the ecological model of health promotion, we applied a mixed methods research design. Thirty-six Latin American immigrant women, 18 recent (<10 years in Canada) and 18 non-recent (>10 years in Canada), participated. Six focus groups and 14 in-depth individual interviews were conducted. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire was administered. Overall, 86 % of the participants reported gaining weight since coming to Canada. Participants reported becoming more sedentary upon arriving in Canada. Only 27.3 % of recent and 41.7 % of non-recent immigrant women were considered sufficiently physically active. Lack of time, resources, social support, and migration stress were identified as key barriers to physical activity. Migration stress associated with social integration barriers strongly influence physical activity among Latin American immigrant women. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Author Keywords

social determinants of health immigrant women Obesity Acculturation physical activity

Index Keywords

physical activity Canada obesity Acculturation Alberta Latino people womens status immigrant population
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84941360278&doi=10.1007%2fs12134-015-0460-y&partnerID=40&md5=89536705d51e68bd277a8b2a02a83eec
DOI: 10.1007/s12134-015-0460-y
ISSN: 14883473
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English