The association between work-related activities and leisure-time physical activity among Latinos

Objectives: Latinos engage in high levels of occupational physical activity, yet low levels of leisure-time physical activity. Limited research has examined specific work-based activities that may contribute to leisure-time physical activity for meeting current physical activity recommendations among Latinos. The purpose of our study was to examine associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with meeting the aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines among Latinos and whether associations varied by nativity.

Design: We used cross-sectional 2015 National Health Interview Survey data on Latinos ≥18 years of age (n = 3162). Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between the frequency of work-related activities with meeting the aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines. Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, Latino subpopulation, shift work, and nativity. We also examined whether associations varied by nativity.

Results: In adjusted models, compared with those never engaging in exertion at work, participants always exerting themselves were significantly less likely to meet the aerobic activity guideline (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.51-0.87). Compared with those never standing/walking at work, participants seldom standing/walking were also less likely to meet the aerobic activity guideline (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.95). Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, Latino subpopulation, shift work, and nativity. When stratified by nativity, the patterns in the strength of the associations were similar, while differences were observed in the associations of work-related activities with meeting guidelines.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that engaging in higher frequency of exertion and standing/walking at work are associated with being less likely to meet the aerobic physical activity guideline during leisure time among Latinos, with variation observed in meeting guidelines by nativity. Insight into physical activities performed at work could inform efforts aimed at promoting recommended levels of physical activity among Latinos.