Neighborhood Walkability and Aerobic Physical Activity among Latinos

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we examined neighborhood social cohesion (NSC) as a moderator in the association between neighborhood walkability and meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline among US Latino adults. Methods: We used 2015 National Health Interview Survey cross-sectional data from 4525 adult US Latino participants ≥18 years of age. NSC and walkability measures were self-reported. Higher walkability scores indicating higher walkability. Aerobic activity was assessed based on self-reported frequency and duration of activity. Minutes per week of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity were then categorized based on the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Survey logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Effect modification by neighborhood social cohesion was tested by inclusion of a walkability*NSC interaction term. Results: A one-unit higher walkability score was associated with higher odds of meeting the aerobic activity guideline (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.11). After adding NSC to the model, the association remained statistically significant (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10). The walkability*NSC interaction term was not statistically significant. Conclusions: NSC did not moderate the association between neighborhood walkability and meeting the aerobic activity guideline among US Latino adults.