Neighborhood social cohesion and physical activity and obesity outcomes among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander individuals.

OBJECTIVE

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) individuals report high obesity rates and low physical activity (PA) levels. This study examined associations between neighborhood social cohesion, obesity, and PA among NHPI adults.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the 2014 NHPI National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Social cohesion was assessed using a summative scale and categorized as low, medium, and high. PA was measured via self-report and categorized as insufficiently active (0-149 min/wk) or sufficiently active (150+ min/wk). Obesity status was based on self-reported height and weight measures converted into standard BMI categories. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds of obesity and sufficient PA associated with social cohesion level.

RESULTS

The study sample included n = 2,590 NHPI adults. Compared with those in low social cohesion neighborhoods, participants in high social cohesion neighborhoods had increased sufficient PA odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19-2.12; p = 0.003) and decreased obesity odds (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40-0.83; p = 0.005). No associations were observed between social cohesion and obesity and PA outcomes comparing individuals in medium versus low social cohesion neighborhoods.

CONCLUSIONS

High social cohesion was associated with reduced obesity odds and increased sufficient PA odds. Findings highlight the importance of enhancing social connectivity as a potential strategy to promote PA and healthy weight among NHPI individuals.