Acculturation Groups Research Articles

The effect of acculturation on Latina mothers’ food choices and body weight ideals for their children (624.13)

Objective: Focus groups of low income Latina mothers were conducted to identify reasons mothers make family food choices and to understand perceptions of body sizes and if these differed by acculturation.Results: Eight groups were held (n=30). In four groups of bi and low acculturated mothers, eight similar themes and four different themes were identified between bi and low acculturated groups. Similar themes included: challenges cooking traditional and healthy foods due to family preferences, looking to doctors to categorize their child’s weight and lower acculturated mothers have less awareness of their child’s weight than high acculturated ones. Low acculturated groups mentioned growing up with low food availability that led them to feed their children more liberally. Bi acculturated groups mentioned not believing the doctor when told their child was overweight.Conclusions: Latina mothers encounter barriers when preparing traditional foods for their children, especially considering their children’s preferences for American foods. Dietary acculturation can lead to unhealthy eating patterns. Doctors have an important role in correcting misinformation on appropriate body size however doctors frequently fail to bring up weight during visits. As the women acculturate they may become more aware of weight due to the western emphasis on body image.Grant Funding Source: Supported by California State WIC and the Ag Research Initiative

Acculturation and Health of Korean American Adults

Increasing cultural diversity in the United States and significant health disparities among immigrant populations make acculturation an important concept to measure in health research. The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to examine acculturation and health of Korean American adults. A convenience sample of 517 Korean American adults in a Midwestern city completed a survey in either English or Korean. All four groups of Berry's acculturation model were identified using cluster analysis with Lee's Acculturation Scale. Assimilation, integration, and separation were found in the English survey sample, whereas integration, separation, and marginalization were found in the Korean survey sample. Moreover, the findings revealed that acculturation is a bidimensional process, and the unique nature of samples may determine acculturation groups. Physical health and mental health were significantly related to acculturation in the English survey sample. However, there was not a significant relationship between health and acculturation in the Korean survey sample.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Six-Item Version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure with East Asian Adolescents in Canada

We examined the psychometric properties of scores on a six-item version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) among East Asian adolescents in Canada. A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) was conducted for 4,190 East Asians who completed a provincial survey of students in grades 7 through 12. The MEIM measured highly correlated dimensions of ethnic identity (exploration and commitment). Further, multigroup CFA indicated that the scale measured the same constructs on the same metric across three age groups and across four groups with varying degrees of exposure to Canadian and East Asian cultures. The findings suggest the short version of the MEIM can be used to compare levels of ethnic identity across different age or acculturation groups.

Acculturation, self-construal, mental and physical health: an explorative study of East Asian students in Germany.

The present study explores acculturation and its associated aspects of two East Asian student groups with different levels of exposure to German culture (100 international students from East Asian countries [IS]; 61 second generation students of East Asian descent [SGS]). First, we investigated the relationships between acculturation, self-construal, depressive and somatic symptoms, and differences between the student groups in these variables. Second, the four acculturation types (integration, assimilation, separation and marginalization) were examined regarding their relationship to self-construal and health outcomes. The results showed that the acculturation dimensions (mainstream, heritage) were relevant to the level of depressive symptoms for IS which was not the case for SGS. Furthermore, IS reported more somatic symptoms whereas there was no difference between the two groups in the level of depressive symptoms. In the analysis of acculturation types, assimilated and integrated students were characterized by high independent self-construal, while separated and integrated students showed high interdependent self-construal. Assimilated students displayed the least depressive symptoms of all acculturation groups. This study highlights different characteristics of East Asian students in acculturation, self-construal and health outcomes, and discusses the complexity of the relationships between acculturation types and health.

Ethnic Differences in the Prevalence and Predictors of Restless Legs Syndrome between Hispanics of Mexican Descent and Non-Hispanic Whites in San Diego County: A Population-Based Study

To investigate the prevalence and predictors of RLS in Hispanics of Mexican descent (HMD) and non-Hispanic whites (NHW). A population-based random digit dialing telephone questionnaire. San Diego County California 1,754 HMD and 1,913 NHW adults ≥ 18 years of age able to participate in a telephone interview in English or Spanish. None. RLS was defined by the presence of all 4 criteria of the International Restless Legs Study Group. Sleepiness was measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Acculturation was evaluated using the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. Risk factors for RLS were by self-report. The survey was conducted in the subject's language of choice. RLS prevalence was significantly lower in HMD than in NHW (14.4% vs.18.3%, p = 0.002). High acculturation HMD had a significantly greater RLS prevalence than the low acculturation group (17.4% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.008). Predictors of RLS varied between HMD and NHW. Female gender (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.04, 1.90, p = 0.027), smoking (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.27, 2.61, p = 0.001), and acculturation (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10, 1.97, p = 0.009) were independent predictors of RLS in HMD, while only older age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.0, 1.02) was an independent predictor of RLS for NHW. The prevalence of RLS was significantly lower in HMD than in NHW, and significantly greater in high acculturation HMD. Our data suggest that risk factors for RLS vary by race/ethnicity and acculturation is an independent risk for RLS in HMD.

Acculturation

The primary purpose of the study was to identify acculturation group memberships of first-generation Nigerian immigrants in the United States of America, based on socio-demographics data. The study also determined the relative power of the predictor variables in the classification. The accuracy with which the sample participants were classified into acculturation groups was also explored. One hundred four first-generation Nigerian immigrants ( N = 104) were recruited for the study. These participants lived in different states across the United States. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was conducted to determine acculturation group memberships, the relative power of the predictors, as well as the accuracy of classification of the sample. Findings suggested that the Nigerian immigrants were classified into five acculturation groups, which were integration, assimilation, separation, assimilation and separation, as well as integration and assimilation. The assimilation and separation acculturation strategy was most frequently endorsed by the Nigerian sample, whereas the integration option was the least reported. The most powerful discriminant functions were immigration support and self-efficacy. Reclassification accuracy was 64.8%. Nigerians in the United States, and perhaps Africans in general, may be using two parallel acculturation strategies to navigate the mainstream culture in plural societies. This preference is likely linked to their multicultural backgrounds. Therefore, integration as an acculturation strategy may not be the favored option among Nigerians living in the United States. Furthermore, immigration support and self-efficacy were revealed as important markers for the classification of the Nigerian sample into acculturation groups. These are areas that require further exploration.

The effects of acculturation and uncertainty avoidance on foreign resident choice for Korean foods

This study attempts to identify dining-out patterns among foreign residents in South Korea, examining the differences in foreign residents’ attitudes toward Korean foods and behavioral intentions to patronize Korean restaurants based on their acculturation and uncertainty avoidance levels. The results show that foreign residents in South Korea dine out frequently and intend to revisit Korean restaurants. However, the high acculturation group has a more positive attitude toward, better understanding of, and more preference for Korean foods than the low acculturation group. Satisfaction, revisiting, and recommendation intentions for Korean restaurants are higher among the high acculturation group than the low. The low uncertainty avoidance group spends more money for dining out than the high uncertainty avoidance group, who perceive Korean foods as expensive. Attitudes toward, understanding of, and preference for Korean foods, do not differ significantly between the two uncertainty avoidance groups; nor do satisfaction and behavioral intentions to Korean restaurants.

The differential effect of acculturation modes on immigrant consumers' complaining behavior: the case of West African immigrants to Canada

PurposeThe objectives of this study are: to gain a better understanding of the modes of acculturation of West African immigrants in Canada; to relate these modes of acculturation to consumers' perceived likelihood of successful complaint and complaining behavior; and to compare consumers' complaint attitudes and behavior in their home countries (i.e. original countries) and the host country (Canada).Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study is conducted among a sample of 218 immigrants from several West African countries now living in Canada. ANOVA and paired samples t‐tests were used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results show that the majority of the surveyed West African immigrants fall into one of two acculturation groups: integrated or separated. Although there are no significant differences between these two groups in terms of their perception that a consumer complaint is more likely to be successful in Canada than in their home countries, there are significant differences in their complaining behaviors in Canada and at home.Research limitations/implicationsMarketers should be aware that not all immigrants are the same and that market segmentation based on the degree of immigrants' acculturation might lead to a sound marketing strategy.Practical implicationsCaution should be exercised in generalizing the research results to the entire population of West African immigrants in Canada.Originality/valueMost previous studies of the consumption behavior of immigrants have examined their perceptions and behavior mainly in the context of the host country, while overlooking their perceptions and behavior in their home countries. The present study has addressed this gap in the literature by investigating the perceptions and behavior of West African immigrants to Canada in both contexts.

Self-Reported Physical Activity Patterns Among Low-Income Latina Women In Arizona

Adherence to recommendations for PA among adults in the US is poor, particularly among low-income Latinos. In 2009, 53.6% of Hispanics nationwide did not meet the guidelines for 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most, if not all, days of the week. In particular, Latina women are at increased risk for inactivity and chronic illness, but national health survey reports aggregate data across demographic strata, limiting descriptive information that could guide targeted PA promotion. PURPOSE: To determine PA patterns among a very low-income, low acculturated group of Latina women in the southwestern US. METHODS: As part of a large community intervention trial to increase cancer prevention behaviors, PA data were collected from 1,006 Latina women (mean age 39.3 +/- 13.8 years) using a modified version of the Arizona Activity Frequency Questionnaire (AAFQ). RESULTS: At baseline, the total average daily PA reported in minutes was 89.98 (+/- 147.71) for those reporting any exercise (10% reporting no exercise). Per specific activity, the total average daily minutes were: Walking, 44.11 (+/- 11.60; n=498); Jogging, 11.05 (+/- 28.68; n=165); Dancing, 17.78 (+/- 40.53; n=258); Light yard work, 19.99 (+/- 40.53; n=445); Lifting, 43.01 (+/- 85.25; n=397); Heavy yard work, 40.79 (+/- 85.49; n=45); Cleaning, 80.42 (+/- 111.51; n=305); Biking, 8.35 (+/-5.65; n=73); and Swimming, 25.59 (+/- 31.70, n=57). In categories with >300 participants reporting PA (Walking, Lifting, Light yard work, Cleaning), there is a bimodal distribution showing very low and very high levels of PA. CONCLUSION: In this sample Latina women, the average daily PA minutes/day exceeds the current PA recommendations. PA categories for which women reported highest levels of activity are those that may be tied to very active jobs. Among the lowest income Latinas, differences in low and high levels of PA suggests the need to target PA promotion efforts to population segments with differing profiles.

Acculturation and Gender: Influence on Healthy Dietary Outcomes for Latino Adolescents in California

Objective Examine acculturation and gender on intention to eat a healthful diet among Latino adolescents using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Design Secondary analysis of data set and condensed version of the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Setting Data collected from 34 randomly selected high schools in San Bernardino, CA. Participants 265 Latino high school adolescents. Main Outcome Measures Effects of acculturation and gender on variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior on intention to eat a healthful diet. Analysis Multiple regression analysis examined acculturation/gender differences, and modifications on the prediction of intention. General linear modeling determined differences across gender and acculturation groups. Results Females had stronger intention, more positive attitude, and greater subjective normative influence. Females indicated feeling healthy and looking good and males indicated good athletic performance as contributors to eating healthfully. Mother was influential for both genders, and stronger for females. Siblings were influential for less acculturated males, and friends were influential for highly acculturated females. Less acculturated adolescents had stronger intention to eat healthfully, more tolerance to give up liked food items, and more support and encouragement. Conclusions and Implications Professionals need to take into account gender and acculturation differences when making dietary recommendations for Latino adolescents.

The Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS): The association between birthplace, acculturation and alcohol abuse and dependence across Hispanic national groups

Hispanics are heterogeneous in national origin, evidenced by wide ranges of alcohol abuse and dependence rates across different Hispanic national groups. This paper examines associations between 12-month rates of DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence with birthplace and acculturation. The 2006 Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey, using a multistage cluster sample design, interviewed 5224 adults (18+ years) in five selected U.S. metropolitan areas: Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. Comprehensive data on drinking behavior were collected and the analyses include bivariate and multivariate regression techniques. Alcohol abuse and dependence rates were higher among U.S.-born Puerto Ricans and South/Central Americans compared to their foreign-born counterparts, while no such differences were found for Cuban and Mexican Americans. Overall, those with higher acculturation report higher rates of abuse and dependence (statistically significant only for abuse among Puerto Ricans). Risk factors for abuse include being male and being in the high acculturation group. Risk factors for dependence include being male, being Puerto Rican or Mexican American, having less than a college education, and being U.S.-born. Hispanics were found to share several common risk factors with the larger U.S. population for abuse and dependence, such as male gender, lower education, and lower income.

Acculturation and Sexuality: Investigating Gender Differences in Erotic Plasticity

The contention that women are more erotically plastic than men is supported by a significant body of data, from which it has been inferred (Baumeister, 2000) that female sexuality may be more flexible and more heavily influenced by contextual factors than that of men. As a direct test of erotic plasticity, the present study investigated the extent to which acculturation was associated differentially (as would be predicted by the theory of greater female erotic plasticity) with the sexual attitudes and experiences of 111 college men and 167 college women. For sexual attitudes, main effects were found for gender, acculturation level, and ethnicity. Women endorsed more conservative attitudes than men, less acculturated individuals endorsed more conservative sexual attitudes than the more acculturated group, and Asian Americans had the most conservative sexual attitudes. For sexual experience, a main effect was found for acculturation, with the more highly acculturated group reporting a greater variety of sexual experiences than the less acculturated group. There were no gender-by-acculturation interactions. This study thus did not find support for the theory of female erotic plasticity, insofar as the impact of acculturation on a sample of ethno-culturally diverse college students.

A comparison of diets, exercise patterns and postpartum weight retention based on levels of acculturation in Mexican immigrants and Mexican American women

Prevalence of overweight Mexican women in the U.S. has increased. Pregnancy‐related weight gain has emerged as a cause of obesity. This study compares dietary intake, physical activity, energy balance, and postpartum weight retention in low and high acculturated postpartum Mexican immigrants and Mexican American women, and determines variables that may predict postpartum weight retention. Dietary and activity recall, a food frequency, and demographic questionnaire were collected from 67 subjects 6–12 months postpartum, at a community clinic. Language determined level of acculturation (Marin and Marin, 1991). Food Processor 8.0, SPSS 14.0, and Minitab 15.0 were used for analysis. There was no significant difference in calorie intake or energy balance between the low (n=33) and high (n=34) acculturation groups. The high acculturation group ate more calories from fat (p=0.000), expended more energy (p= 0.032 for basal metabolic rate; p= 0.000 for physical activity and specific dynamic action of food), and retained less weight postpartum (9.54 pounds). Variables predicting postpartum weight retention were employment, daily physical activity, pre‐pregnancy BMI, and energy expenditure. Results prove that health programs for postpartum Mexican women in the U.S. be designed based on acculturation level. All postpartum women should reduce calorie intake and increase physical activity for weight management.

Ethnomedicine Of The Rama Of Southeastern Nicaragua

ABSTRACT The Rama are one of three indigenous groups of eastern Nicaragua. A total of 206 plant species, in 157 genera and 70 families, were documented as medicinals in three years of fieldwork. Most (75%) Rama medicinals are native to eastern Nicaragua, and are used to treat more than 30 human ailments. Over 70% have some bioactive principle, most are herbs (37%) or trees (36%), and leaves are the most frequently utilized plant part. Most herbal remedies are prepared as decoctions and are administered orally. Most medicinal plants are wild, but some important species are introduced domesticates native to the New World and Old World tropics. The Rama people are the most highly acculturated group of eastern Nicaragua, and accordingly, their use of the native flora has changed the most. In addition, this group occupies a small area, and has few unaltered traditional practices left. Therefore, this study is important because it provides a written record of the oral history of a group whose cultures and natur...

Ethnomedicine of the Rama of Southeastern Nicaragua

The Rama are one of three indigenous groups of eastern Nicaragua. A total of 206 plant species, in 157 genera and 70 families, were documented as medicinals in three years of fieldwork. Most (75%) Rama medicinals are native to eastern Nicaragua, and are used to treat more than 30 human ailments. Over 70% have some bioactive principle, most are herbs (37%) or trees (36%), and leaves are the most frequently utilized plant part. Most herbal remedies are prepared as decoctions and are administered orally. Most medicinal plants are wild, but some important species are introduced domesticates native to the New World and Old World tropics. The Rama people are the most highly acculturated group of eastern Nicaragua, and accordingly, their use of the native flora has changed the most. In addition, this group occupies a small area, and has few unaltered traditional practices left. Therefore, this study is important because it provides a written record of the oral history of a group whose cultures and natural resources are disappearing very quickly.

67: Acculturation and Sexual Behavior Among East Asian Youth in British Columbia, Canada

67: Acculturation and Sexual Behavior Among East Asian Youth in British Columbia, Canada

Early Postpartum Breastfeeding and Acculturation among Hispanic Women

Exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital is predictive of postpartum breastfeeding patterns. Although breastfeeding rates are similar for Hispanic and white women in the United States, evidence shows that more acculturated Hispanic mothers have lower rates of breastfeeding than those less acculturated. To date, no studies have examined whether this pattern exists in the immediate postpartum period. We used medical record data from 1,635 participants in the San Diego Birth Center Study, a cohort study of low-income, low-risk pregnant women. We applied a proxy measure of acculturation to categorize participants into a low acculturation (Hispanic, Spanish speaking [n = 951]); high acculturation (Hispanic, English speaking [n = 408]); or white, English speaking (n = 276) group. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between acculturation and exclusive breastfeeding at the time of hospital discharge while controlling for potential confounders. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were significantly different across acculturation groups (p < 0.01). After adjusting for available confounding variables, women in the low acculturation group were more likely to breastfeed exclusively at discharge than those in the high acculturation group (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01-1.84). Women in the white, English-speaking group also had greater odds of exclusive breastfeeding when compared with those in the high acculturation group (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.02-2.19). This cross-sectional study provides evidence of a correlation between acculturation and immediate postpartum breastfeeding, where higher acculturation is associated with lower odds of exclusive breastfeeding. Additional research is needed to understand how the process of acculturation may affect short- and long-term breastfeeding behavior.

Effects of Acculturation on the Reporting of Depressive Symptoms Among Hispanic Pregnant Women

Significant differences have been reported in the prevalence of depression between Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Whether the differences in prevalence are real or are the results of cultural bias in instrumentation is not known. To examine the association between acculturation and the responses to the individual depressive symptom item of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The CES-D was administered to 395 Hispanic women during their 22-24 weeks' pregnancy clinic visit. Acculturation was defined by a subject's language preference of English or Spanish when completing the CES-D. Those who preferred English belong to the acculturated group and those who preferred Spanish are considered nonacculturated. Logistic regression was used to conduct differential item functioning (DIF) analysis for each of the 20 CES-D items to determine whether they operated differently between the acculturated Hispanic group and the nonacculturated Hispanic group. Reliability of the CES-D total score was .86 and .88 for the nonacculturated and acculturated groups, respectively. None of the items of the Depressed Affect Subscale showed DIF. However, DIF was found in four out of the seven items in the Somatic Activity Subscale and in three out of the four items in the Positive Affect Subscale. The results suggest that even within a homogenous Hispanic group of mostly Mexican Americans, responses to the CES-D differ by acculturation. The nonacculturated group are less likely to endorse somatic symptoms but more likely to endorse positive items than the acculturated group. Depression screening in this population needs to account for acculturation differences within the Hispanic group.

Ethnicity and Nutrient Intake among Arizona WISEWOMAN Participants

Diet quality and risks of chronic disease have been identified, yet nutrient intakes from older uninsured populations have been scarcely described. Using the dietary intake profiles of an older, uninsured, and mostly Hispanic sample of Arizona WISEWOMAN participants, two ethnic groups were compared: Mexican American and non-Hispanic white women. Sociodemographic data related to nutrient intakes were identified. Estimated mean nutrient intakes of Mexican Americans (n = 260) and non-Hispanic white (n = 88) women were compared based on ethnicity and acculturation levels. Using linear regression models, associations of individual characteristics were made on nutrients for which reported intakes were less than the estimated average requirement (EAR). Mexican Americans had energy, vitamin E, and niacin intakes that were significantly lower than those of non-Hispanic whites, whereas vitamin A intake was significantly higher among Mexican Americans. Less acculturated Mexican American women had significantly higher intakes of vitamin E and folate than their more acculturated counterparts. For both ethnic and acculturation groups, intakes of vitamin E, calcium, and potassium were lower than the established standards in more than 70% of this population. Having a high body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower reported energy intake and higher protein and potassium intakes, and smoking was associated with lower intakes of vitamin E and folate. Mexican American women had overall lower micronutrient intakes compared with uninsured non-Hispanic white older women; this difference may be attributed to their underreporting intake.

Correlates of depressive symptoms among Latino and Non-Latino White adolescents: Findings from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey

BackgroundThe prevalence of depression is increasing not only among adults, but also among adolescents. Several risk factors for depression in youth have been identified, including female gender, increasing age, lower socio-economic status, and Latino ethnic background. The literature is divided regarding the role of acculturation as risk factor among Latino youth. We analyzed the correlates of depressive symptoms among Latino and Non-Latino White adolescents residing in California with a special focus on acculturation.MethodsWe performed an analysis of the adolescent sample of the 2003 California Health Interview Survey, which included 3,196 telephone-interviews with Latino and Non-Latino White adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Depressive symptomatology was measured with a reduced version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Acculturation was measured by a score based on language in which the interview was conducted, language(s) spoken at home, place of birth, number of years lived in the United States, and citizenship status of the adolescent and both of his/her parents, using canonical principal component analysis. Other variables used in the analysis were: support provided by adults at school and at home, age of the adolescent, gender, socio-economic status, and household type (two parent or one parent household).ResultsUnadjusted analysis suggested that the risk of depressive symptoms was twice as high among Latinos as compared to Non-Latino Whites (10.5% versus 5.5 %, p < 0.001). The risk was slightly higher in the low acculturation group than in the high acculturation group (13.1% versus 9.7%, p = 0.12). Similarly, low acculturation was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms in multivariate analysis within the Latino subsample (OR 1.54, CI 0.97–2.44, p = 0.07). Latino ethnicity emerged as risk factor for depressive symptoms among the strata with higher income and high support at home and at school. In the disadvantaged subgroups (higher poverty, low support at home and at school) Non-Latino Whites and Latinos had a similar risk of depressive symptoms.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the differences in depressive symptoms between Non-Latino Whites and Latino adolescents disappear at least in some strata after adjusting for socio-demographic and social support variables.