Physical Activity in Latin American Immigrant Adults Living in Seville, Spain.

Background: Self-rated health status of the Latin American immigrant population in Spain varies by gender, education and doing physical exercise. Physical activity patterns have not been described.

Objective: The aims are to describe self-reported physical activity in adult Latin American immigrants living in Seville (Spain) and explore relationships of physical activity with sociodemographic and health-related variables.

Method: A representative sample of 190 immigrants between the ages of 25 and 44 years who live in Seville responded to the Centers for Disease Control's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Spanish-language version) from May 2010 through May 2011.

Results: Physical activity (PA) was practiced by 66.8% during leisure time, 49.2% had a normal weight, and 20.5% were on a diet. The practice of PA was higher in women who had a normal weight, a good state of health and a higher education. Older age was associated with exercising during free time.

Discussion: Population-specific strategies are needed to improve the practice of PA among Latin American immigrants in Spain. Research focused on other emerging immigrant groups is needed.