Description
The leading cause of deaths in United States is noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The four known risk factors of NCDs are alcohol use, tobacco use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. This study focuses on physical activity and unhealthy diets. The Latino population is the largest and rapidly growing ethnic group in the U.S. leisure-time moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and fruit/vegetable intake in the Latino population remains low. This study aimed to examine the relationship between MVPA and dietary behaviors (fat intake and fruit and vegetable consumption) among churchgoing Latinas in San Diego County. A cross sectional study design using Fe en Acción (Faith in Action) baseline data was the basis for this project. A total of 437 participants were recruited from participating churches to partake in this study. Leisure-time MVPA, BMI and acculturation were found to be significantly associated with fat intake. Leisure-time MVPA and monthly household income were significantly related to fruit and vegetable consumption. This cross-sectional study suggests that there is a relationship between leisure-time MVPA, fat intake and fruit and vegetable consumption. To fully understand this relationship, a longitudinal study might be suitable for this research.
