Sociodemographic Characteristics Of Physical Activity Participation Among African Immigrants In The African Immigrant Health Study

BACKGROUND: Engagement in high levels of physical activity (PA) is recommended to prevent a multitude of poor health outcomes including diabetes and obesity. However, little is known about the sociodemographic determinants of PA among African immigrants in the US. PURPOSE: This study describes sociodemographic characteristics associated with PA engagement and inactivity among African immigrants in the United States (US). METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 465 African-born adults originally from five African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leon) were included in this analysis. Sociodemographic characteristics [age (median split), gender, education, income, employment, marital status, country of birth, and length of residence (LOR) in the US] was self-reported, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated using measured height and weight. Engagement in PA was self-reported using a modified, short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with calculated sub-scores for high and moderate PA based on the IPAQ guidelines. A comparison of sociodemographic characteristics associated with PA within the sample was conducted using chi-square statistic or Fisher’s exact test when any cell with an expected value <5 was present. RESULTS: Mean age (±SD) of the sample was 46.8 ± 11.3 years, 60% self-identified as female, and mean BMI was 30.3 ± 6.3 kg/m2. Mean LOR in the US was 15.0 ± 11.9 years. Among the sample, 19.4% and 89.9% of participants reported engaging in high and moderate PA, respectively, and 9.9% were considered low/inactive (not meeting high or moderate PA). Results showed significant differences in employment status (χ2 = 4.14, p = 0.042), educational attainment (χ2 = 7.33, p = 0.007), and gender (χ2 = 8.27, p = 0.004) among those who engaged in high levels of PA compared with those that did not. No other sociodemographic characteristic differences were observed with high PA engagement, nor were there any sociodemographic characteristics differences with moderate PA (p’s > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among middle-aged African immigrants, men, as well as those with higher educational attainment and employment were notably less likely to engage in high levels of activity. Future studies investigating the mechanisms underpinning these associations are warranted.