Background
Multilevel interventions that address individual, interpersonal, environmental, and other contextual influences can help increase physical activity (PA) in Latino populations. Yet, critical gaps remain in understanding their feasibility, especially in community-based settings, and the diverse factors that contribute to PA outcomes and disparities. This study examined multilevel predictors of participation in group exercise classes from a faith-based multilevel PA intervention and postintervention PA outcomes among a Latino adult sample.
Methods
Preintervention and postintervention data collected between 2019 and 2025 came from 195 Latino participants residing in East Los Angeles, CA and surrounding neighborhoods. Logistic regression models examined baseline perceived neighborhood, psychosocial, and sociodemographic factors in relation to participation in group exercise classes in parks (and/or online for participants impacted by the pandemic). Linear regression models examined the baseline multilevel factors in relation to accelerometer-based moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and self-reported leisure-time MVPA.
Results
Perceived stress was significantly associated with lower odds of class attendance, controlling for other multilevel factors. Being female was significantly associated with lower accelerometer-based MVPA at follow-up and marginally significant lower self-reported leisure-time MVPA at follow-up. Being employed was marginally associated with lower leisure-time MVPA at follow-up.
Conclusions
Findings suggest individual-level factors may be stronger predictors of intervention uptake and postintervention PA, compared with neighborhood and psychosocial factors. More research is needed examining social and structural drivers that contribute to perceived stress, which may influence intervention participation and PA behavior change among Latinos, a population who faces a high burden of obesity and chronic conditions.
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