The association between acculturation and recreational computer use among Latino adolescents in California

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity like recreational computer use is a likely factor in the rising obesity prevalence among Latino adolescents.

Objectives: Using the data from California Health Interview Survey, we test the hypothesis whether acculturation is associated with recreational computer use among Latino adolescents.

Methods: We run linear regressions of the weekly time spent on recreational computer use among Latino adolescents, stratified first by gender and then by age group (12-14 and 15-17 years). Years living in the United States and language at home are used as key variables for acculturation.

Results: For all four sub-populations, living in the United States for less than 5 years is significantly associated with fewer hours on recreational computer use, compared with those US-born. Among female adolescents, those who lived in the United States for 10 years or more spent fewer hours on recreational computer use than those US-born. Among adolescents under 15, speaking English only and speaking English plus another language are both significantly associated with more hours on recreational computer use, compared with those who speak a non-English language at home.

Conclusion: Educators and health professionals should heed the Latino adolescents' possible increase in recreational computer use.