Domain-Specific Physical Activity and Self-Report Bias Among Low-Income Latinas Living in San Diego County

Background: Evidence suggests that Latina women appear to be less physically active than women of other racial/ethnic groups. This study evaluated how different domains of physical activity (PA) contributed to overall levels of PA among low-income Latinas, the validity of Latinas' self-reported PA, and potential moderators of self-report bias in PA. Methods: A community sample of 105 Latinas (mean age = 35.9 +/- 9.0 years; mean body mass index = 31.6 +/- 7.2) completed the long form Spanish-language version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), wore an accelerometer for seven days, and completed self-reported measures of acculturation and socioeconomic status. Results: Ninety-six percent of IPAQ-reported moderate-intensity PA (MPA) was accrued during household activities, with only 4% accrued during leisure time. Seventy-two percent of participants met national recommendations for PA using IPAQ data, but only 20% met recommendations when measured by accelerometer. When bouts of MPA lasting >10 min were included, 0% met recommendations. Age appeared to moderate self-report bias of vigorous PA, and there were nonsignificant trends for acculturation and income to moderate MPA and vigorous-intensity PA, respectively. Conclusions: Data suggest that it is important to measure household activity of Latinas, and that the IPAQ yield overestimates of self-report PA.