Commentary: Determinants of physical activity among African immigrants in the US and the consideration of the education-occupation mismatch

Abstract

African immigrants are a rapidly growing segment of the US population, with relatively high rates of cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors. Physical activity engagement among this growing group is understudied and represents an underappreciated means of reducing cardiovascular disease risk, improving physical functioning, and mental health related outcomes. Structural barriers and cultural influences, such as community norms, play a significant role in physical activity engagement of African immigrants. There is a critical need to understand the current gaps, and individual and structural trends related to physical activity participation in this demographic. This commentary aims to shed light on what is known as it relates to physical activity participation in this group, and the urgent need to consider the role of physical activity as an effective intervention in reducing cardiovascular disease risk among African immigrants for the betterment of their future health trajectory.

Keywords: Adults; African immigrants; Cardiovascular disease; Education-occupation mismatch; Physical activity.