Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Determinants Of Physical Activity And Low-Fat Diet Among Low Income African American And Hispanic Middle School Students, Marilyn Frenn, Shelly Malin, Antonia M. Villarruel, Kimberly Slaikeu, Stephanie Mccarthy, Joan Freeman, Erinn Nee

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

African Americans, Hispanics, and those with low income experience disproportionate health problems that can be prevented by physical activity and a lower fat diet. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, antecedents of diet and exercise within the Health Promotion/Transtheoretical Model were examined among low-income African American and Hispanic seventh-grade students (n = 127). Total support was associated with higher physical activity for girls. African Americans perceived greater social support for activity than Hispanics. Family models and support for physical activity and low-fat diet were greater as family income increased. However, higher family role models and lower dietary fat were found …