Examining the role of acculturation in the leisure-time physical activity of South Asians living in Canada.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the leisure-time physical activity of South Asians living in Canada using a four-mode, bidimensional acculturation framework. Design Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Methods A random sample ( N = 204) of South Asian adults living in Calgary, Canada completed a telephone interview that assessed their leisure-time physical activity and acculturation. Interviews were conducted in either English or Punjabi, depending on participant preference. Results Cluster analysis identified four acculturation clusters: Low-Separated and High-Separated (with separation signifying different preference levels for maintaining one's heritage culture while distancing oneself from the mainstream culture); and Integrated-Heritage and Integrated-Mainstream (with integration indicating a preference for maintaining one's heritage culture and being involved in the mainstream culture—albeit with the former cluster emphasizing heritage more whereas the latter cluster emphasized the mainstream more). A MANOVA performed on light, moderate, and vigorous leisure-time physical activity using the four clusters was significant ( p < .05). Moderate leisure-time physical activity was greater for the two separated clusters than the two integrated clusters ( p < .05), with the Separated-Low cluster being greater than both the Integrated-Mainstream ( p < .05) and the Integrated-Heritage ( p < .01) clusters. Vigorous leisure-time physical activity was greater for the two integrated clusters than the two separated clusters ( p < .01), with the Integrated-Mainstream cluster being greater than both the Separated-Low ( p < .05) and Separated-High ( p < .01) clusters. Conclusions An integrative, four-mode bidimensional approach should be employed when developing messages and designing programs to promote and encourage leisure-time physical activity in South Asian communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]