Perceived neighborhood crime safety moderates the relationship between depressive symptoms and sedentary behavior among Hispanic/Latino adults

Sedentary behavior is related to the development of several chronic diseases, including type II diabetes and some cancers. Unfortunately, the rate of sedentary behavior among adults, particularly US Hispanic/Latino adults, is very high. One factor known to contribute to sedentary behavior is depression. However, little is known about how depressive symptoms may be related to sedentary behavior among Hispanic/Latino adults, or the role of sociocultural determinants of health. Perceptions of one's environment have been shown to have a greater impact on behavior than objective measures. As Hispanic adults are likely to have lower perceptions of safety compared to non-Hispanic White adults, an important factor that may affect sedentary behavior is perceived neighborhood crime safety. Findings presented here are from a cross-sectional survey conducted in January 2018 among 798 Hispanic/Latino adults across the United States. Results address the knowledge gaps, specifically providing insight about how perceived neighborhood crime safety may buffer the link between depressive symptoms and sedentary behavior. This study further illustrates how different types of sedentary behavior may be affected by perceived neighborhood crime safety. Public health researchers and practitioners can use these findings to support efforts in improving physical and mental health outcomes among Hispanic/Latino adults, particularly in reducing sedentary behavior to combat chronic disease development. • US Hispanics/Latinos report 81.28 h ( SD = 44.23) a week of sedentary behavior. • Depressive symptoms positively linked with Hispanics'/Latinos' sedentary behavior. • Crime safety buffers the link between depressive symptoms and sedentary behavior. • Crime safety effects vary for distinct sedentary behaviors among Hispanics/Latinos.