Gender differences in self-report physical activity and park and recreation facility use among Latinos in Wake County, North Carolina.

BACKGROUND

Lack of physical activity (PA) may be a cause of Latinos' health problems. Latinas may be especially at risk, and public parks and recreation services may be a logical place to address PA deficiencies.

PURPOSE

The objectives of our study were to investigate Latino gender differences related to (1) self-reported work/household and leisure-time PA, (2) perceptions about PA and parks/recreation services, (3) parks/recreation services behaviors, (4) and preferences for activities/programming.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional survey completed by 457 Latinos.

RESULTS

Significant gender differences were found for work/household PA but not for leisure-time PA. Use of parks and recreation services were similar between genders, but Latinos stayed significantly longer per visit. Latinos and Latinas significantly differed on park activities and preferences for recreational services.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though parks/recreation services are viewed as viable options for Latinos' PA, the study identified gender differences that inform health promotion interventions to be more effective in targeting Latinos.