Programmes Targeting Sedentary Behaviour Among Ethnic Minorities and Immigrants

Abstract

Sedentary behaviour has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and successful strategies for addressing sedentary behaviour could have major public health implications. National objectively monitored and self-report data show higher rates of sedentary behaviour among racial/ethnic minority groups compared to whites and increasing rates of sedentary behaviour among immigrants, the longer they live in the United States. This chapter describes the prevalence of sedentary behaviour and factors associated with sedentary behaviour in racial/ethnic minority groups, including personal characteristics, built and sociocultural environments, knowledge/attitudes/beliefs, and historical context. This chapter also summarizes findings from interventions focused on decreasing screen time/sedentary behaviour among racial/ethnic minority children and adolescents and adults. Given the lack of definitive conclusions about successful strategies for addressing sedentary behaviour in racial/ethnic minority groups, the chapter concludes with suggestions for next steps for reducing sedentary behaviour using the African American Collaborative Obesity Research Network (AACORN) paradigm as an exemplar model for creating culturally appropriate interventions.