Perceived Barriers to Recommended Diet and Physical Activity Patterns Among Ethnically Diverse Middle School Students

The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to examine perceived barriers to the adoption of recommended dietary and physical activity behaviors in low income ethnically diverse middle school students. Respondents completed surveys in sixth and eighth grade (n=289): 37% (n=100) of whom were Hmong, 34% (n=92) White, and 18% (n=57) Non-Asian, Non-White (NANW). Chi square and ANOVA were used to test the hypothesis that there were significant differences in perceived barriers for the adoption of recommended dietary and physical activity behaviors among ethnic groups. At 46%, significantly more Hmong versus White (12%) and NANW (16%) students indicated that cost was a significant barrier to fruit and vegetable availability at home (p=.001). In addition, 51% of Hmong students versus 33% of White and 34% of NANW students indicated that peer pressure was a barrier to the consumption of fruits and vegetables (p=.002). At 33%, significantly fewer Hmong students reported meeting the guidelines for physical activity compared to White students (52%, p=.016). Furthermore, Hmong students believed that being physically active every day was less important to their family members compared to non-Hmong students (p=.004). These results indicate that there is a need for culturally specific nutrition education and physical activity promotion with a particular focus on reducing obstacles to the adoption of recommended dietary patterns and physical activity for Hmong middle school students.