About SDPRC

Physical activity is an important component of overall health. To promote general health and make progress toward meeting the Healthy People 2010 objectives, adults are encouraged to obtain 30 or more minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on five or more days per week. Children and adolescents are encouraged to participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity activity most days of the week, preferably daily (Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005). Although the prevalence of inactivity has decreased since 1988, the rate of decrease has been slower for Latinos than for non-Latino Whites.

The most recent California BRFSS data on physical activity indicates that fewer Latinos compared to non-Latino Whites are achieving recommended levels of physical activity (39% compared to 53%). More than twice as many Latinos (42%) report no leisure-time PA compared to Whites (17.5%). This difference is even more striking in adolescents. In 2001, compared to non-Latino White adolescents, Latino adolescents were greater risk of experiencing future health related problems due to their lower levels of vigorous activity and higher levels of television watching.

Physical fitness is also low among Latino youth in California. In 2002, 22 - 26% of all students met the excellent criteria for global fitness, but only 17% - 20% of Latino students met this standard. Between 34% and 35.5% of California students failed to achieve minimum standards for a healthy body composition compared to about 40% of Latino students.

SDPRC research projects are designed to help improve our understanding of how to reduce obesity and promote physical activity and general well-being in Latino communities.

All research projects are informed by community-based participatory research principals with objectives and strategies defined by the San Diego Prevention Research Center's Community Engagement Committee.