A Community Needs Assessment of the Physical Activity and Food Environment in a Predominantly Hispanic U.S. City

Introduction: Hispanics experience greater levels of disparity in health status and levels of physical activity compared to non-Hispanic whites. The health conditions and risk factors affecting this population are largely influenced by environmental factors and social determinants. Social, cultural, and demographic differences exist across Hispanic subgroups living in different areas of the US. Understanding the lifestyle habits of specific Hispanic communities can help identify ways to better serve its local members. Hialeah, Florida is the city with the highest rates of Cuban and Cuban Americans in the US. To help Hialeah community leaders address challenges associated with the physical activity and the food environment, a needs assessment was conducted by surveying community residents.

 

Methods: A brief survey was administered to community members (n=85) at a variety of locations throughout Hialeah to assess their perceptions of factors that either supported or hindered physical activity and healthy eating. A 21-question survey was constructed covering five key areas including: the physical activity environment, the food environment, messaging, school systems, and workplace wellness. All but three open ended questions used a 5-point Likert-type scale that assessed the community members’ level of agreement with a series of statements.

Results: The majority of community members (77.1%) believed that Hialeah had a variety of available healthy food options; however significantly more of those who were born outside the USA believed this to be true [χ² (4) = 11.11, p =.03]. Only two thirds (67.9%) of community members believed that they actually consumed a healthy diet, and most (76.5%) thought that eating healthy was more expensive than fast food. Both male and female respondents agreed that Hialeah has sufficient physical activity environments (72.9%), but female respondents were significantly less likely to feel that these environments were accessible and safe [χ² (2) = 9.01, p=.01]. Almost all of the respondents (92.9%) would like their health care provider to refer them to healthy living experts for further assistance with exercise or healthy eating.

Conclusions: This needs assessment provides insights into the facilitators and barriers to healthy living for the residents of the largest enclave of Cubans in the US, particularly the different perceptions by gender and country of origin. The findings from our assessment can serve as a valuable source of information for city officials and community leaders in developing future strategic plans to enhance the health and wellness its residents.