Self-Reported Physical Activity in Chinese American Immigrants with a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an elevated risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Chinese American immigrants are disproportionately affected by GDM, yet their cardiometabolic risk factors are understudied. Little is known about physical activity (PA) of this understudied high-risk minority group. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe self-reported PA and the facilitators of and barriers to PA in Chinese American immigrants with a history of GDM. Methods We conducted an exploratory multimethod study between 2020 and 2021 among 106 Chinese American immigrant women. PA was self-reported using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Long form. Four domains of PA (work, transportation, housework, and leisure time) and daily sitting time were recorded. Open-ended questions were asked about the facilitators of and barriers to PA. Results Participants' mean age was 34.3 ± 3.7 years, and body mass index was 21.7 ± 2.6 kg/m2. Approximately 25% had low PA. Over half (N = 56, 53%) reported no leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA. Walking and housework were the most common types of PA. Barriers to PA included being busy with life, physical health issues (eg, sleep and postpartum health issues), low motivation or not enjoying PA, COVID-related barriers, and an unfavorable environment for PA. Conclusions Strategies are needed to increase leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA in this population. Modifiable factors include providing convenient PA programs (eg, technology or home-based) and addressing postpartum health issues (eg, sleep). Increasing providers' awareness of barriers to PA and cardiometabolic disease risk in this hard-to-reach, high-risk group may improve assessment and referral for high-risk women. Future research is needed to further explore opportunities for PA that Chinese American immigrant women would be open to at this stage in their life.