Daily Moderate-to-Vigorous Activity of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and Seven Asian Subgroups by Types of Activities, American Time Use Survey, 2010-2019

Abstract

The study used the American Time Use Survey data from 2010 to 2019 to compare the daily moderate-to-vigorous activity of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) and seven Asian ethnic subgroups. Adults aged 24 years and older were included. The study analyzed activities from sports and recreation, household activities, and all activities carried out during the day. Outcomes were determined by the completion of 30 min or more of moderate-to-vigorous activity and the type of activity carried out in the day. Significant ethnic differences were observed for sports and recreation but not for household activities and not for all activities carried out during the day. Of the ethnic populations, NHPI were the least active, and Asian Indians and Chinese were the most active. A majority achieved 30 min or more of moderate-to-vigorous activity during the day from all their activities. Physical activity from household activities exceeded physical activity from sports and recreation. The most physically active group was adults over the age of 65 years, perhaps reflecting more time to exercise or greater concerns about their health. For sports and recreation, exercising with someone doubled the minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity. The results emphasize the importance of activities performed around the household in addition to sports and recreation and the benefit of exercising with someone. Ethnic populations may be receptive to interventions that emphasize activities they are performing in their daily lives.

Keywords: American Time Use Survey; Asian subgroups; Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; household activities; moderate-to-vigorous activity; sports and recreation.

Figure 1

Percent with 30 min or more of moderate-to-vigorous activity by age group and type of activity, ATUS 2010–2019.

Figure 2

Household activities and sports and recreation by age group. On the left panel circles designate housework, triangles represent activities related to lawns gardens and houseplants, and rectangles indicate taking care of animals. On the right panel triangles designate walking, circles designate running, and rectangles indicate weightlifting.