| The purpose of this study was to examine Korean immigrants' spousal differences in physical activity and the impact of husbands' background characteristics, self-efficacy, and lifestyle physical activity on their wives' lifestyle physical activity behavior in Korean immigrant couples working at cleaners. To date, studies that have assessed the physical activity of Korean Americans have been at the individual level, not in couples. Spouse's social support might be one of the most important determinants of leisure-time physical activity, particularly immigrant women, because most immigrants have experienced the loss of old social connections.;The design was a cross-sectional, descriptive, face-to-face interview survey with Korean couples who worked together in a small business (drycleaners). Participants were recruited from the membership lists of Korean American Drycleaners Association of Greater Chicago (KADAC) and social networking. Measures included: current health (depressive symptoms [CES-D], self-reported health status [BRFSS]), acculturation (VIA), modified Sallis' social support received and provided for physical activity, McAuley's confidence in overcoming barriers to physical activity, and physical activity (pedometer [steps for seven day], self-report CHAMPS).;Seventy couples participated (mean age of 57.9 for husbands and 53.7 for women). Depressive symptoms (12.4 vs. 9.8) and percent with self-reported health poor/fair health (60% versus 28.6%) were higher for wives than husbands. Both had high Korean and low American acculturation. Wives reported less time spent in leisure activities such as walking and golf. Wives' self-efficacy for physical activity and husband's leisure-time physical activity showed significant positive independent direct effects on wives' leisure-time physical activity. Wives' perception of spousal support received from husbands had an indirect effect on their leisure time physical activity through self-efficacy.;This study suggests that Korean husbands may have an important influence on the physical activity of their wives. Future intervention work to promote physical activity in this immigrant group of women should take into consideration the role husbands may play. |
