Relation of physical activity level to knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors of heart disease, barriers to physical activity, gender and acculturation in the Hispanic population

Of the total Hispanic group in the United States, Mexican Americans make up approximately two-thirds of the population. Obesity is common in Hispanics especially among Mexican American women. The problem is not solely due to socioeconomic reasons. Research indicates the number of overfat adults had substantially increased to 55% of the adult population from the period of 1980 to 1990. Children's studies focusing on prevalence of obesity report Mexican children were more overweight than non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White children. This conclusion correlates to the adult population as well.; A lack of knowledge of risk factors related to cardiovascular disease may be a barrier to a fit lifestyle which may prevent healthy physical activity habits. Due to the high rates of disease, Healthy People 2000 specifically targeted the Hispanic population. Between diabetes, heart disease and cancer, the Hispanic population was a major concern of Healthy People 2000 since they have continued to be at a greater risk for health problems.; The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of physical activity level to knowledge of risk factors of heart disease, barriers to physical activity, gender and acculturation in the Hispanic population. Two hundred and fourteen high school Hispanic male and female subjects were selected from 3 high schools in a suburban school district in southeast Texas. All participants in the study were 18–21 years of age and completed four instruments, the physical activity rating scale, barriers to physical activity survey, knowledge of heart disease test, and an acculturation scale. Demographic data were obtained concerning their social economic status, ethnicity, and time in the United States.; Students in this sample primarily identified with the Mexican American culture and were born in the United States. According to the norms of Healthy People 2000, the total percent of overweight was 44% in the population. There was a significant positive correlation between physical activity level, gender, acculturation and barriers to exercise.; This accounted for 22% of the variance. There was no relation of knowledge and cardiovascular risk factors of heart disease to physical activity level. However there were gender differences.