Crime, Physical Activity and Outdoor Recreation among Latino Adolescents

In 2009-2011, Dr. Monika Stodolska, Dr. Kim Shinew, and Juan Carlos Acevedo of UIUC and Dr. Caterina Roman of Temple University conducted a study to examine the bi-directional relationship between crime (fear of crime, level of crime victimization, and perceived level of disorder in the community) and physical activity participation and outdoor recreation among Latino adolescents ages 11-14 (grades 6-8) and 15-18 (grades 9-12). The study evaluated participation in physical activity and outdoor recreation in three environments: school yards/school grounds; parks; and neighborhood streets, sidewalks, alleys, and front/backyards. The goal of the study was to provide more information on the relationship between crime and physical activity participation among Latino adolescents in order to devise strategies that would help increase physical activity participation among members of this group and, thus reduce their obesity levels. This study focused on Latino(a) adolescents residing in Little Village (South Lawndale). It consisted of two components: surveys and individual in-depth interviews.The study was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Salud America Program.

For the results of the study, please see the report:

Salud America Report

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