Associations of Physical Activity with CVD Risk Factors, Stress, and Quality of Life in Hispanics/Latinos

The Hispanic/Latino population is growing exponentially in the US and there is dearth of information regarding the association of physical activity (PA) and chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, psychosocial stress, and ultimately, health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This information is important given the high burden of chronic conditions and the need for targeted interventions for this population. Using the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) this dissertation examines the following cross-sectional associations: (1) the association of accelerometer-measured moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and meeting PA guideline recommendations with adverse levels of CVD risk factors, ideal levels of CVD risk factors, and overall low cardiovascular (CV) risk. The CVD risk factors examined are blood glucose, total cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, and smoking. (2) Effect modification by chronic stress, traumatic stress, and perceived stress on the association of accelerometer-measured MVPA with CVD risk factors. And lastly, (3) the association of accelerometer-measured MVPA with overall HRQoL, the mental component score (MCS), and the physical component score (PCS). Findings show that (1) higher MVPA and meeting PA guideline recommendations are associated with lower adverse CVD risk factors (diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity); higher ideal CVD risk factors (blood glucose, total cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index); and overall low CV risk. (2) There is evidence of effect modification by chronic stress on the association between MVPA and diabetes as well as smoking, and by traumatic stress for smoking. Those experiencing higher chronic stress have a less pronounced benefit of lower diabetes prevalence when engaging in higher MVPA. Counterintuitive results are seen for smoking with higher chronic stress and higher traumatic stress. Lastly, there is evidence of higher MVPA being associated with a higher mental component score (MCS). These results provide evidence specific to Hispanic/Latino adults in the US and demonstrates the continued need to facilitate higher levels of accelerometer-measured MVPA.