Objective: This study seeks to compare and contrast barriers to engage in physical activity (PA) among Latino parents in the USA and Mexico given different cultural and environmental contents.
Methods: Four bilingual and bicultural trained research assistants conducted focus groups in Mexico and the USA RESULTS: There were 33 total participants. Twenty-one mothers were married; most participants had not completed above a high school education. Most participants were full-time stay-at-home mothers (59%). Analyses revealed several topics of discussion related to beliefs and barriers that contributed to family PA engagement: (1) walking is the most common form of PA for families in both countries; (2) parents believe people of all ages and genders can and should be physically active, but there are differences in access, opportunity, and ability; (3) major barriers to engaging in PA are different for those living in Mexico (safety concerns) than in the USA (weather constraints).
Conclusion: These findings have implications for behavioral interventions and understanding how environmental concerns impact Latino families trying to manage healthier lifestyles. Engaging community networks and resources can be a way to combat these barriers to promote PA in all contexts.
Keywords: Cultural differences; Health and wellbeing; Latino families; Physical activity.