Utility of Acculturation in Physical Activity Research in Latina Adults: An Integrative Review of Literature

Tanya J. Benitez, Joan E. Dodgson, Kathryn Coe, Colleen Keller

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Latina adults in the United States have a disproportionately higher prevalence of chronic diseases related to low physical activity levels than non-Hispanic women. Literature indicates that acculturation may be a contributing factor to being physically active, but the extent of this association remains unclear. An integrative review of literature was conducted on studies that examined acculturation as it relates to physical activity in Latinas in the United States. Our review of 33 studies revealed inconsistent measurement and conceptualization of acculturation and physical activity across studies. Findings from this review reinforce the importance and continued use of acculturation by behavioral researchers; however, acculturation, as conceptualized in the studies reviewed, may not have had an influence on health as much as traditions, life patterns, and resources of Latinas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)256-270
Number of pages15
JournalHealth Education and Behavior
Volume43
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2015

Keywords

  • Hispanic
  • Latino
  • culture
  • exercise
  • health disparities
  • women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Utility of Acculturation in Physical Activity Research in Latina Adults: An Integrative Review of Literature'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this