The Environment and Obesity among Latino Adults: A case study exploring the roles of built environments in promoting physical activity and reducing obesity among colonia residents (original) (raw)

2010

Abstract

Background: Rates of obesity have reached epidemic proportions, and Latinos bear disproportionally high burdens. Residential environments are important settings shaping health behaviors/outcomes, but many Latinos live among challenging conditions with concentrated poverty and inadequate infrastructure. Objectives: (1) To review selected literature on environmental correlates of Latino obesity and physical activity; (2) To provide comparative descriptions of urban form in a colonia, representing a common Latino settlement in border areas; and (3) To identify environmental correlates of walking, physical activity, and obesity among colonia-residing Latinos. Methods: This paper analyzes 89-respondent surveys of residents in El Cenizo, a colonia in Texas, and environmental measures captured from field audits and Geographic Information System. Results: Limited existing studies reported traffic, street connectivity, sidewalk, and density as correlates of physical activity or obesity. Urba...

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