Open AccessAssociations of Neighborhood Factors and Activity Behaviors: The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study
Author(s) -
Stella S. Yi,
Alka M. Kanaya,
Ming Wen,
Rienna Russo,
Namratha R. Kandula
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of immigrant and minority health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.758
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1557-1920
pISSN - 1557-1912
DOI - 10.1007/s10903-020-01021-6
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , gerontology , medicine , cohort , demography , odds ratio , public health , south asia , cohort study , physical activity , environmental health , physical therapy , pathology , ethnology , psychiatry , sociology , history
Social and built environments may influence physical activity (PA). However, evidence for South Asian Americans (SAA), a group with low PA levels and high cardiometabolic risk, is lacking. We assessed the association between five neighborhood factors and PA behaviors in a community-based cohort of SAA. Data were from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study 2010-2013 (n = 906). Adjusted multivariable models stratified by sex regressing PA behaviors on neighborhood factors were run. Higher neighborhood social cohesion was associated with 17% more PA MET minutes/week in men (p < 0.01), but not in women. Having a park/playground near home was associated with meeting PA guidelines (odds ratio (95% CI): men: 3.14 (1.20-8.24); women: 3.67 (1.17-11.52). Neighborhood factors were associated with favorable PA behaviors in SAA. PA interventions for SAA that increase neighborhood social cohesion or focus on linking individuals with local resources may be effective.