| Abstract
|
:
|
Purpose. This study's research objectives were to (a) describe the general health status of Arabs, (b) describe their cardiovascular risk factors, (c) estimate perceived physical activity self-efficacy and levels of physical activity and exercise, (d) estimate determinants of physical activity and exercise, (e) describe current physical activity patterns and barriers, (f) describe future physical activity options and preferences, and (g) evaluate the above objectives by gender in Arabs in Southern California. Methods. This cross-sectional study design used self-reported questionnaires in English or Arabic. Participants were recruited from secular and religious sites and were assessed by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Bandura's Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale, the American Heart Association's Choose to Move Program Questionnaire, and Discovery Health Media's How America Measures Up Questionnaire. Results. The sample consisted of 353 participants: 173 men and 180 women with a mean age of 38.5 (±12.3). Most (83.3%) had more than a high school education, 70.8% were married, and 20.1% were below the poverty level Years lived in the U.S. was 14.8 (±10.7). The frequencies of cardiovascular risk factors were as follows: hypertension (21%), hyperlipidemia (24.9%), diabetes (9.3%), overweight (40.3%) and obese (27.5%) and current smoker (27.2%: men 41% and women 13.9%). The mean self-efficacy score was 37.9 (±19.4). As for reported physical activity, 46.2% were sedentary and 53.8% were active. A logistic regression analysis estimated the determinants of physical inactivity. For the men the most significant determinant was exercise self-efficacy [OR = 2.3 (95% CI: 1.2, 4.6)]; for the women, it was not being born in the U.S. [OR = 2.8 (95% CI: 1.0, 7.8)] and self-efficacy [OR = 3.2 (95% CI: 1.6, 6.4)]. Conclusion. This sample has a higher proportion of cardiovascular risk factors than the general population. This study will support and guide future programs in decreasing cardiovascular risks factors and the potential for chronic diseases in the Arab community. Future research should investigate how the adoption and maintenance of regular habits of physical activity can be promoted within Arab communities. This may be accomplished best by enhancing self-efficacy in a number of health behavior areas, such as exercise and smoking cessation.
|