Time in the United States and Walking for Physical Activity Among Black Californians: Findings from the California Health Interview Survey (2012–2017)

No studies examine associations between acculturation and physical activity (PA) in California's foreign-born Black population, even though rates of PA are lower in Black populations, lower PA rates are a risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and this population is growing. Further, despite differences in CVD and PA by sex and mental health status; no studies have examined whether these factors modify associations between acculturation and PA.

Authors used the 2012–2017 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) to examine associations between time in the U.S. as a proxy for acculturation (i.e., foreign-born <10 years in the US, foreign-born ≥10 years in the U.S.) and walking for PA among Black Californians (n = 5,952). They also tested effect modification by sex and mental health status.

Findings: About 7% in the sample were foreign-born. The odds of walking for PA were significantly higher in the foreign-born group living <10 years in the U.S. and no different in the foreign-born group living ≥10 years in the U.S. compared to U.S.-born Black Californians. Authors found no effect modification of the associations by sex or mental health, except by frequency of feeling depressed.

Some foreign-born Black Californians have higher odds of walking for PA related to transportation than their U.S.-born counterparts. Future research is needed to examine the role of mental health status on PA levels of this immigrant group.