Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’ndeki Ahıska Türk Göçmenlerinde Obezite, Kültürleşme ve Algılanan Stres

Abstract

Acculturation is defined as adaptation within a new and different society. Acculturation has effects on both physical and mental health of immigrants. The aim of the study is to examine the acculturation, perceived stress, and obesity behaviors of Meskhetian immigrants living in America. In the study conducted with the participation of 109 Ahıska Turkish participants, the predictive factors of obesity, acculturation and perceived stress were measured. Obtained data were analyzed with SPSS program using independent sample t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation and regression tests. As a result of the analyzes, it was found that there was no statistically significant relationship between obesity and age, gender, socio-economic status, physical activity, acculturation, and perceived stress. However, the findings revealed a significant relationship between daily consumption of vegetables, fruits and hamburgers, cheeseburgers or meatballs and obesity. In addition, weekly vegetable consumption, monthly hamburger, cheeseburger, or meat consumption were found to be significantly associated with moderate/morbid obesity. The findings are discussed in terms of their contribution to understanding the psychological disorders and eating habits that affect the health of minority and immigrant groups in the USA because of acculturation.