Perceptual and Motor Skills
Volume 105, Issue 2, 2007, Pages 681-687

Activity and obesity of Colombian Immigrants in Canada who use a food bank (Article)

Ng V. , Rush T.J. , He M. , Irwin J.D.*
  • a Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Canada
  • b Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Canada
  • c Department of Human Ecology, Bescia University College, University of Western Ontario, Canada
  • d Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Canada, Faculty of Health Sciences, Arthur and Sonia Labatt Health Sciences Building, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont. N6A 5B8, Canada

Abstract

Summary.-The purpose of this study was to provide some preliminary description of the Latin-Canadian community by reporting the socioeconomic status, physical activity, and weight status (i.e., healthy weight, overweight, or obese status) of Colombians newly immigrated to London, Ontario Canada. Face-to-face interviews were conducted on a convenience sample of 77 adult Colombian immigrant food bank users (46.8% men; mean age 39.9 yr., SD = 11.8). Physical activity was gauged using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and self-report Body Mass Index, and sociodemographic data were collected. Of respondents, 47% had a university education, and 97% received social support. 61% met recommended levels of physical activity. Men were more active, being involved in about 130 min. more of exercise per week, and more men were overweight than women (63.9% versus 39.0%, respective-ly). Of respondents, 73% reported being less active than before coming to Canada. This pilot study indicates that Latin-Canadian immigrants are a vulnerable group in need of acculturational support. Further study is warranted. © Perceptual and Motor Skills 2007.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

psychological aspect exercise human sex difference middle aged statistics Overweight Ethnic Groups ethnic group obesity comparative study Aged Colombia social support Food Services ethnology catering service Humans male Canada Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation Socioeconomic Factors female socioeconomics questionnaire cultural factor Article Ontario Questionnaires adult migration Sex Factors Utilization Review

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-36348955106&doi=10.2466%2fPMS.105.2.681-687&partnerID=40&md5=542318517c094431f814a2059595041e

DOI: 10.2466/PMS.105.2.681-687
ISSN: 00315125
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English