Activity and Obesity of Colombian Immigrants in Canada Who Use a Food Bank

• Published in: Perceptual and motor skills Vol. 105; no. 2; pp. 681 - 687
• Main Authors: Ng, Victor, Rush, Timothy J., He, Meizi, Irwin, Jennifer D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-10-2007; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Acculturation; Adult; Aged; Colombia - ethnology; Emigrants and Immigrants - psychology; Emigrants and Immigrants - statistics & numerical data; Ethnic Groups - psychology; Exercise - psychology; Female; Food Services - utilization; Humans; Immigration; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Obesity - epidemiology; Obesity - ethnology; Obesity - psychology; Ontario; Overweight - epidemiology; Overweight - ethnology; Overweight - psychology; Sex Factors; Social Support; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Utilization Review - statistics & numerical data; Colombia; Ontario
• ISSN: 0031-5125; 1558-688X
• DOI: 10.2466/pms.105.2.681-687

The purpose of this study was to provide some preliminary description of the Latin-Canadian community by reporting the socioeconomic status, physical activity, and weight status (i.e., healthy weight, overweight, or obese status) of Colombians newly immigrated to London, Ontario Canada. Face-to-face interviews were conducted on a convenience sample of 77 adult Colombian immigrant food bank users (46.8% men; mean age 39.9 yr., SD = 11.8). Physical activity was gauged using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and self-report Body Mass Index, and sociodemographic data were collected. Of respondents, 47% had a university education, and 97% received social support. 61% met recommended levels of physical activity. Men were more active, being involved in about 130 min. more of exercise per week, and more men were overweight than women (63.9% versus 39.0%, respectively). Of respondents, 73% reported being less active than before coming to Canada. This pilot study indicates that Latin-Canadian immigrants are a vulnerable group in need of acculturational support. Further study is warranted.