Acculturation Factors Research Articles

Acculturation, adaptation, and loneliness among Cape Verdean immigrants

Loneliness is a major public health concern, yet little is known in migrants. Therefore, understanding the risk factors for loneliness is relevant. The current study explores acculturation and sociocultural adaptation factors predicting loneliness regarding immigration. While little previous research has examined sociocultural adaptation as a mediator intervening between other predictors and psychological adaptation, this study tested the mediating role of sociocultural adaptation between perceived discrimination and loneliness. Cross-sectional data on 418 Cape Verdean immigrants (47.4% women) with an average age of 35 years were analyzed. The average length of living in Portugal was 18 years. Participants completed scales to evaluate acculturation strategies, ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, sociocultural adaptation, and a short form of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6). As expected, the results showed that greater levels of integration, greater ethnic identity, and lower perceived discrimination were related to lower levels of loneliness. Furthermore, our findings suggest that sociocultural adaptation indeed mediates the relationship between perceived discrimination and loneliness. Despite low levels of perceived discrimination experienced by Cape Verdean immigrants in Portugal, this antecedent plays an essential role in their experience of loneliness. The findings are discussed in terms of the conceptional context.

Loneliness Among African Migrants Living in Portugal

This study analyzed the degree of loneliness, as well as acculturation and adaptation factors related to it among African migrants. The study sample consisted of 759 migrants (48.5% females) from four ethnocultural groups (Angolans, Cape Verdeans, Guineans, and Mozambicans) living in Portugal. Participants’ mean age was 37 years, and the mean length of sojourn in this country was 21 years. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires to evaluate social contacts, language proficiency, ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, psychological adaptation, sociocultural adaptation, and intercultural adaptation; moreover, loneliness level was evaluated using the ULS-6 scale. Most participants did not report high levels of loneliness. However, as expected, loneliness correlated negatively with social contacts, ethnic identity, and Portuguese language proficiency, whereas it correlated positively with perceived discrimination. The three adaptation factors negatively predicted loneliness beyond acculturation factors. This study also discussed the implications of this research for counselors.

Abstract PO-130: Disparities in risk of second primary lung cancer among lung cancer patients in the United States

Abstract Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Despite recent survival improvements, racial and socioeconomic disparities still exist in lung cancer incidence and survival. Furthermore, recent studies showed that lung cancer survivors have a high risk of developing second primary lung cancer (SPLC). While racial and socioeconomic disparities have long been examined for lung cancer survival and incidence, little is known about their impacts on SPLC risk among lung cancer survivors. This study evaluated the disparities in SPLC incidence by calculating the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of the observed SPLC incidence versus the expected incidence of initial primary lung cancer (IPLC) across different socioeconomic, acculturation, and smoking-related factors using county-level data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). Methods: We identified 158,018 patients diagnosed with IPLC between 2000 and 2013 in SEER. SPLC was defined as a newly developed primary lung cancer after 2 years from IPLC diagnosis and was followed through 2018. The SIR was calculated as the ratio of the observed SPLC incidence versus the expected incidence of IPLC in the general population across different factors. Indicators of socioeconomic status, acculturation factors, and smoking prevalence in SEER were derived from county-level data using the American Community Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The quintiles of these indicators were created using the data obtained across all 3,142 valid U.S. counties. We applied the Pearson's chi-squared test to evaluate the difference in SIRs across quintiles of the indicators we created, applying a statistical significance of α < 0.005 after adjusting for multiple testing. Results: Among 158,018 IPLC patients, 10,650 (6.7%) developed SPLC over 626,853 person-years. The incidence of SPLC was 6 times higher than the IPLC incidence in the general population, with an overall SIR of 6.2 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 6.09-6.32). Notably, the SIR, i.e., the ratio between the SPLC incidence and the IPLC incidence, was significantly higher among individuals who live in counties with the lowest quintile of median family income (<$51,770) versus the highest quintile (>$74,331) (SIR 7.18 versus 6.10, P<1 × 10−6). Furthermore, the ratio between the SPLC versus the IPLC incidence was highest (SIR 8.01, CI: 7.36-8.71) among those who live in counties with the highest quintile of smoking prevalence (>29.6%) versus SIR of 5.77 (CI: 5.63-5.91) with the lowest quintile of smoking prevalence (<20.4%) (P=3.4 × 10−3). Race/ethnicity and acculturation factors, including immigration status, did not achieve statistical significance. Discussion: Significant disparities exist in SPLC incidence among lung cancer survivors who live in areas with a low median family income and high smoking prevalence. Targeted SPLC surveillance for lung cancer survivors from an underserved population would be needed to reduce the existing disparities. Citation Format: Eunji Choi, Sophia J. Luo, Jacqueline V. Aredo, Joel W. Neal, Leah M. Backhus, Heather A. Wakelee, Summer S. Han. Disparities in risk of second primary lung cancer among lung cancer patients in the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-130.

Neurodegeneration from the AT(N) framework is different among Mexican Americans compared to non-Hispanic Whites: A Health & Aging Brain among Latino Elders (HABLE) Study.

IntroductionWe sought to examine a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based marker of neurodegeneration from the AT(N) (amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration) framework among a multi‐ethnic, community‐dwelling cohort.MethodsCommunity‐dwelling Mexican Americans and non‐Hispanic White adults and elders were recruited. All participants underwent comprehensive assessments including an interview, functional exam, clinical labs, informant interview, neuropsychological testing and 3T MRI of the brain. A neurodegeneration MRI meta‐region of interest (ROI) biomarker for the AT(N) framework was calculated.ResultsData were examined from n = 1305 participants. Mexican Americans experienced N at significantly younger ages. The N biomarker was significantly associated with cognitive outcomes. N was significantly impacted by cardiovascular factors (e.g., total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein) among non‐Hispanic Whites whereas diabetes (glucose, HbA1c, duration of diabetes) and sociocultural (household income, acculturation) factors were strongly associated with N among Mexican Americans.DiscussionThe prevalence, progression, timing, and sequence of the AT(N) biomarkers must be examined across diverse populations.

Disparities in postpartum depression screening participation between immigrant and Danish-born women.

BackgroundQualitative studies suggest that immigrant women experience barriers for postpartum depression (PPD) screening. This study examines the prevalence of participation in PPD screening in the universal home-visiting programme in Denmark, in relation to migrant status and its association with acculturation factors, such as length of residence and age at migration.MethodsThe sample consists of 77 694 births from 72 292 mothers (2015–18) that participated in the programme and were registered in the National Child Health Database. Lack of PPD screening using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was examined in relation to migrant group and acculturation factors. We used Poisson regression with cluster robust standard errors to estimate crude and adjusted relative risk.ResultsIn total, 27.8% of Danish-born women and 54.7% of immigrant women lacked screening. Compared with Danish-born women, immigrant women in all groups were more likely to lack PPD screening (aRR ranging from 1.81 to 1.90). Women with low acculturation were more likely to lack screening. Women who migrated as adults [aRR = 1.27 (95% CI 1.16, 1.38)] and women who had resided in Demark for <5 years [aRR = 1.37 (95% CI 1.28, 1.46)] were more likely to lack screening.ConclusionsImmigrant women in Denmark, particularly recent immigrants, are at increased risk of not being screened for PPD using the EPDS. This can lead to under-recognition of PPD among immigrant women. More work is needed to understand how health visitors recognize the mental health needs of immigrant women who are not screened, and whether this gap results in reduced use of mental health services.

Acculturation in context: The relationship between acculturation and socioenvironmental factors with level of and change in cognition in older Latinos

AbstractBackgroundLatinos are 1.5 times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s dementia as non‐Latino Whites. This health disparity may arise from multiple influences with culturally‐relevant factors receiving increasing attention. Models of acculturation stress the importance of considering acculturation‐related factors within the context of socioenvironmental factors to better capture the Latino experience in the US.MethodWe measured 10 acculturation and contextually‐related variables in 199 Latinos (age∼69.7yrs) without dementia participating in Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center studies. We subjected these variables to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to study their interrelationships; then investigated how the resulting components associated with level of and longitudinal change in domain‐specific cognition using separate linear mixed effects models adjusted for relevant confounders and their interactions with time.ResultThe PCA revealed a 3‐factor unrotated solution (variance explained ∼70%). Factor 1, representing acculturation‐related aspects of nativity, language‐ and social‐based acculturation, was positively associated with level, but not change, in semantic memory and perceptual speed. Factor 2, representing contextually‐related socioenvironmental experiences of discrimination, social isolation, and social networks, was associated with lower levels of episodic memory and working memory and faster longitudinal decline in visuospatial ability (Figure 1). Factor 3 (familism only) did not associate with level or change in any cognitive outcome. We are actively investigating the role of cardiovascular health on these associations.ConclusionAcculturation‐ and contextually‐related factors differentiated from each other and differentially contributed to cognition and cognitive decline in older Latinos. Providers should query multiple social determinants of health when evaluating older Latinos including acculturation‐ and contextually‐related lived experiences.

Gender differences in acculturation and cardiovascular disease risk-factor changes among Chinese immigrants in Italy: Evidence from a large population-based cohort

BackgroundIn recent decades, the Chinese presence in Southern Europe has grown rapidly but no data is available on the influence that residing in Mediterranean countries has on Chinese immigrants. In this study, we aim to examine the association between acculturation and cardiovascular risk factors among first-generation Chinese immigrants in Italy. DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional study. MethodsA sample of 2589 Chinese first-generation immigrants (1599 women and 990 men) living in Prato, Italy, underwent blood pressure measurement, blood tests (with measurement of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides), and anthropometric measurements. The influence of length of residence (dependent variable) on hypertension, type 2 diabetes, overweight/obesity, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) (independent variables) was investigated with multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, education and urban/rural home area in China before migration. ResultsMean age of Chinese participants was 47.2 ± 10.7 years and 61.7% were women. Immigrants residing in Italy for ≥20 years were more likely to be hypertensive [odd ratio (OR) 1.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33 to 2.59], or diabetic (1.91; 1.26 to 2.86) than those residing in Italy for <10 years. Differently, prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol≥240 mg/dl) was lower in immigrants residing in Italy for ≥20 years than in those with <10 years of residence (0.52; 0.32 to 0.83). The association between indicators of acculturation and cardiovascular risk factors appeared to differ by sex. ConclusionAcculturation of Chinese immigrants in Italy was associated with hypertension and type 2 diabetes whereas a favorable effect on hypercholesterolemia was observed.

Cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment in Europe: Position statement of the European Consortium on Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology (ECCroN)

Objective: Over the past decades European societies have become increasingly diverse. This diversity in culture, education, and language significantly impacts neuropsychological assessment. Although several initiatives are under way to overcome these barriers – e.g. newly developed and validated test batteries – there is a need for more collaboration in the development and implementation of neuropsychological tests, such as in the domains of social cognition and language. Method: To address these gaps in cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment in Europe, the European Consortium on Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology (ECCroN) was established in 2019. Results: ECCroN recommends taking a broad range of variables into account, such as linguistic factors, literacy, education, migration history, acculturation and other cultural factors. We advocate against race-based norms as a solution to the challenging interpretation of group differences on neuropsychological tests, and instead support the development, validation, and standardization of more widely applicable/cross-culturally applicable tests that take into account interindividual variability. Last, ECCroN advocates for an improvement in the clinical training of neuropsychologists in culturally sensitive neuropsychological assessment, and the development and implementation of guidelines for interpreter-mediated neuropsychological assessment in diverse populations in Europe. Conclusions: ECCroN may impact research and clinical practice by contributing to existing theoretical frameworks and by improving the assessment of diverse individuals across Europe through collaborations on test development, collection of normative data, cross-cultural clinical training, and interpreter-mediated assessment.

Intimate partner violence and Its Relationship with Psychological Distress Among Older Asian Americans: Results from the California Health Interview Survey.

This study aimed to examine the influence of intimate partner violence on psychological distress among a diverse sample of older Asian Americans living in California. Participants in the 2007-2009 California Health and Interview Survey (CHIS) aged fifty years and older and self-reported as Asian Americans were included in the study. The primary independent variable was the history of any intimate partner violence (physical or sexual violence) since 18 years of age. The Kessler Psychological Distress Six-item Scale was used to measure the study dependent variable. A composite score (0-24) was created for psychological distress during the past 30 days as well as for the one month in the past 12 months when they were at their worst emotionally. Other covariates, including acculturation and demographic factors, were measured. Hierarchical multivariate linear regressions were conducted to examine the influence of intimate partner violence on psychological distress after adjusting for covariates. In the study, about 8% of older Asian Americans reported ever experiencing intimate partner violence. After controlling for level of acculturation and demographic factors, a history of intimate partner violence was significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress for the past month (beta = 2.07, SE = 0.74, p < 0.05) and for the worst month in the past year (beta = 1.99, SE = 0.68, p < 0.05). Intimate partner violence is a significant risk factor for distress among older Asian Americans. Culturally targeted violence prevention efforts and treatment approaches for individuals impacted by violence are needed in this highly underserved segment of older Americans.

Challenges confronting the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative: Social networks and cross-cultural adjustment in CPEC projects

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship program of China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, created to boost economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. The aims of economic efficiency and enhancement of national interests are widely acknowledged in the literature. Yet, critical issues of developing the capabilities of cross-cultural management in general, and cross-cultural adjustment through cross-cultural understanding and network building in particular, have been largely overlooked. The current research investigates the challenges confronting cross-cultural adjustment among the Chinese and Pakistani employees participating in the CPEC projects. Through a rigorous analysis, we highlight the importance of acculturation experience, cross-cultural networking (i.e. heterophilic), networking behaviour (i.e. guanxi vs. hawala), and factors influencing cross-cultural adjustment, which would enhance the overall performance of the CPEC projects. Our aim is to contribute to the understanding of contextual and condition-driven networking behaviour for cross-cultural adjustment, particularly the need for cross-cultural networking. We contend that organisations in cross-cultural/cross-border projects should encourage cross-cultural mentoring and facilitate cross-national networks to increase the efficacy of such collaborative projects.

Length of stay, acculturation and transnational medical travel among Polish migrants in the Netherlands

An important aspect of the transnational lives of Polish migrants in the Netherlands is their frequent use of healthcare services in Poland. Transnational care use may be detrimental for the continuity and the quality of the care migrants receive. The current study aims to shed light on the antecedents of migrants' doctor visits in Poland. Drawing on a representative population-based sample of Polish migrants in the Netherlands (n = 1,082), logistic regression is used to assess whether length of stay in the Netherlands is negatively associated with the likelihood of doctor visits in Poland. The KHB decomposition method is used to determine the extent to which this potential association is mediated by three specific acculturation factors: ethnic identification, trust in the Dutch healthcare system and Dutch language proficiency. The models show that migrants who stayed in the Netherlands longer were less likely to visit doctors in Poland. Mediation analyses indicated that this effect was largely attributable to their greater Dutch language proficiency compared to their counterparts who arrived in the Netherlands more recently. Strong ethnic self-identification as Polish and lower trust in the Dutch healthcare system were also associated with a higher likelihood of visiting doctors in Poland. However, no significant mediation of the effect of length of stay via ethnic self-identification or Dutch language proficiency was found. The findings suggest that voluntary language programs may foster inclusion of Polish migrants in the Dutch healthcare system and reduce the need migrants perceive to seek care in their country of origin.

Impact of Voluntary Folic Acid Fortification of Corn Masa Flour on RBC Folate Concentrations in the U.S. (NHANES 2011–2018)

ObjectivesSurveillance data have highlighted continued disparities in neural tube defects (NTDs) among infants of Hispanic women of reproductive age (HWRA) in the United States. Starting in 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration implemented voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour to reduce the risk of NTDs. We assessed folate status, using red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations, in HWRA (aged 12–49 y) before (2011–2016) and after (2017–2018) voluntary fortification of corn masa, stratified by acculturation factors (i.e., primary language spoken at home, length of time residing in the US). MethodsCross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018 with available RBC folate concentrations for HWRA were analyzed. Additional analyses were conducted among HWRA whose only folic acid source was fortified foods (enriched cereal grain products (ECGP) only), including usual intake and NTD prevalence estimations based on previously published models. ResultsOverall, RBC folate concentrations (adjusted geometric means) among HWRA remained similar from 2011–2016 to 2017–2018, though RBC folate significantly increased in 2017–2018 among lesser acculturated HWRA consuming ECGP only. Concentrations for those who were born outside the US and resided in the US < 15 y increased from 894 nmol/L (95% CI: 844–946) in 2011–2016 to 1018 nmol/L (95% CI: 982–1162; p < 0.001) in 2017–2018. Primarily Spanish speaking HWRA who consumed ECGP only increased from 941 nmol/L (95% CI: 895–990) in 2011–2016 to 1034 nmol/L (95% CI: 966–1107; p = 0.03) in 2017–2018. We observed no significant changes in the proportion at risk of NTD (<748 nmol/L) and no changes in Bayesian model-based estimated NTD rates. ConclusionsThis early analysis following voluntary corn masa fortification found an increase in RBC folate concentrations in lesser acculturated groups relying on fortified foods as their primary folic acid source, though HWRA overall had no significant increase in folate concentrations. These early data suggests that there is remaining risk among Hispanics for folate sensitive NTDs; continued monitoring of folate status with NHANES will help assess the long-term efficacy of voluntary fortification. Funding SourcesNo funding sources outside of salaries.

Sexual Role Identity and Anal Sex Positioning among Brazilian, Colombian, and Dominican Immigrant Sexual Minority Men

ABSTRACT Sexual role identities for anal sex and anal sex positionings are often conflated in research. This study aimed to identify profiles of sexual minority men based on sexual role identity and anal sex positioning and determine correlates of these profiles, including individual (i.e., HIV-status identity, condom use, partner type, sexual orientation) and cultural (i.e., same-race partnering, country of birth, acculturation) factors. A sample of Brazilian, Colombian, and Dominican immigrant sexual minority men (n = 480) living in New York City were surveyed about identity and positioning at the two most recent encounters. Individual and cultural factors were examined as correlates of profiles identified through latent class analysis. Four latent classes were identified: No Labels (12%), Receptive Bottoms (16%), Insertive Tops (23%), Insertive and Receptive Versatiles (49%). We found a concordance rate of ~70% between identity and behavior. A proportion (12%) of behaviorally versatile men chose not to use sexual role labels. Living with HIV was associated with receptive and versatile classes, sex with main partners was associated with versatility, and sexual orientation differed across classes. Identity and behavior should not be used interchangeably in research or applied domains, particularly given the complexities of versatility and men who prefer to not use labels.

Abstract 002: Assessing Profiles Of Cardiometabolic Risk Among South Asians Living In The United States Using A Syndemic Framework And Acculturation

Background: South Asians (SA) are the second largest US immigrant group and have excess cardiometabolic (CM) disease. While acculturation is associated with increased CM risk among immigrants and refugees, the role of acculturation on SA CM risk is relatively unknown. CM disease presents as a syndemic or synergistic epidemic involving multiple disease clusters as well as the biological, social, and psychological interactions from the acculturative process to worsen morbidity within subgroups. Methods: We used latent class analysis to identify SA CM risk based on acculturation subgroups using data from adults aged 40-84 in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study (N=771). The distal outcome of CM risk was constructed using hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and body mass index. Proxies of acculturation included years lived in the US, English proficiency, cuisine eaten at home, cultural traditions, ethnicity of friends, social and neighborhood support, and experienced discrimination; as well as mental health indicators, which included depression, trait anxiety, anger, and positive and negative spiritual coping. Covariates included demographic characteristics, family income, education, study site, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, religiosity and spirituality. Results: Four CM risk profiles and acculturation subgroups were identified: 1) lowest risk [73.8%] were the most integrated with both SA and US culture; 2) intermediate-low risk [13.4%] had high mental health distress and discrimination and separated from SA and US culture; 3) intermediate-high risk [8.9%] were more assimilated with US culture; and 4) highest risk [3.9%] were more assimilated with US culture [Figure]. Conclusion: Our approach identified distinct nuanced profiles of syndemic CM risk to understand how acculturation and sociocultural factors cluster with health in US South Asians. Our syndemic framework will further understanding of CM risk among SA to best design tailored prevention and intervention programs.

Loneliness among African international students in Portugal

International students constitute an important sojourner group. This study examined the levels and predictors of loneliness among international students. The sample included 188 Angolan and 210 Cape Verdean college students who attended Portuguese institutions of higher education and a control group of 221 domestic students. The relative strengths of background and acculturation factors in loneliness, as indicators of psychological adaptation, were explored. Results showed that international students reported greater levels of loneliness than native-born students. As expected, results showed that students who reported poorer financial situation, greater perceived discrimination, lower home culture and host culture acculturation orientation scores reported higher loneliness. In addition, using hierarchical regression analyses, current findings suggest that the most significant predictors of loneliness for international students were financial situation, perceived discrimination and orientation to heritage culture. Implications of these results for reducing loneliness of international students are discussed.&#x0D;

Loneliness among Chinese Migrants in Portugal

Abstract The goal of this research is to explore the acculturation and adaptation factors that are likely to predict the level of loneliness among Chinese migrants residing in Portugal. The sample is constituted by one hundred and eighty-nine participants (25 percent women and 75 percent men) with an average age of 29 years. The average length of sojourn was 8 years. We used the ULS-6 scale to assess loneliness. Other instruments were utilized to evaluate ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, mental health, sociocultural adaptation, and tolerance. In agreement with expectations, ethnic identity negatively predicted loneliness, and perceived discrimination positively predicted loneliness. Lastly, sociocultural adaptation and tolerance negatively predicted loneliness, and mental health problems positively predicted loneliness. The adaptation factors predicted 60 percent of the variance in loneliness. Implications of these findings for reducing migrants’ loneliness are considered.

What Occupational Socialization Factors Influence Preservice Teachers to Possess Fitness Orientations?

Purpose: To investigate the existence of fitness orientations among preservice teachers (PTs) and to identify what has influenced these orientations. Methods: The participants were 14 undergraduate PTs enrolled in a physical education teacher education games methods course in the Northeast United States. Qualitative data were collected through autobiographical essays, orientation of self-identification diagrams, and semistructured interviews. NVivo 11 Pro (QSR International, Burlington, MA) software package was employed to analyze data using analytic induction and constant comparison techniques. Results: Twelve PTs possessed moderate (n = 9) or hardcore (n = 3) fitness orientations. Orientations were influenced by three themes: (a) declining physical education quality, (b) elite sport fitness goals, and (c) former head sports coaches and/or current strength and conditioning coaches. Discussion: Faculty must understand the diverse orientation combinations that PTs can now possess and appreciate the acculturation and professional socialization factors that influence and reinforce the development of these orientations.

Baseline Oral Microbiome and All-cancer Incidence in a Cohort of Nonsmoking Mexican American Women.

Given the increasing evidence that the oral microbiome is involved in obesity, diabetes, and cancer risk, we investigated baseline oral microbiota profiles in relation to all-cancer incidence among nonsmoking women enrolled in a Texas cohort of first- and second-generation immigrants of Mexican origin. We characterized the 16Sv4 rDNA microbiome in oral mouthwash samples collected at baseline from a representative subset of 305 nonsmoking women, ages 20-75 years. We evaluated within- (alpha) and between-sample (beta) diversity by incident cancer status and applied linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size analysis to assess differentially abundant taxa. Diversity and candidate taxa in relation to all-cancer incidence were evaluated in multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models. Over 8.8 median years of follow-up, 31 incident cancer cases were identified and verified. Advanced age, greater acculturation, and cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with all-cancer incidence. Higher alpha diversity (age-adjusted P difference < 0.01) and distinct biological communities (P difference = 0.002) were observed by incident cancer status. Each unit increase in the Shannon diversity index yielded >8-fold increase in all-cancer and obesity-related cancer risk [multivariable-adjusted HR (95% confidence interval), 8.11 (3.14-20.94) and 10.72 (3.30-34.84), respectively] with similar findings for the inverse Simpson index. Streptococcus was enriched among women who did not develop cancer, while Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Mogibacterium, Campylobacter, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Dialister, and Atopobium were higher among women who developed cancer (LDA score ≥ 3; q-value < 0.01). This initial study of oral microbiota and overall cancer risk in nonsmoking Mexican American women suggests the readily accessible oral microbiota as a promising biomarker. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Mexican American women suffer a disproportionate burden of chronic health conditions that increase cancer risk. Few investigations of the microbiome, a key determinant of host health, have been conducted among this group. Oral microbiota profiles may provide early and accessible cancer biomarker data on invasive bacteria or community disruptions.

Building the Next Generation of Latinx Leaders: Problems and Possibilities

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article APA & MeetingsFull AccessBuilding the Next Generation of Latinx Leaders: Problems and PossibilitiesBernardo Ng, M.D.Bernardo NgSearch for more papers by this author, M.D.Published Online:4 Mar 2021https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2021.3.33AbstractThe symposium will address important aspects of ethnicity, acculturation, and intergenerational factors—and their different manifestations by age, gender, and family roles—as well as the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Latinx communities.For those of you who have already registered for APA’s online 2021 Annual Meeting, please do not miss “Latinx 2021: Solving the Dilemma.” For those of you who have not registered yet, then do so, and plan to add to your schedule this very relevant presentation.We hope this symposium will expand the discussion about a central fact: that Latinx comprise the largest minority category in the United States, yet they continue to be underrepresented in mental health policy, psychiatric services, and psychiatric research.This session should be of interest not only to Latinx psychiatrists, but also those who are not Latinx but practice in communities with Latinx patients. The session will also be of interest to those who have considered or have recently started practicing in Latinx communities.As chair of this symposium, I first want to express my appreciation to the APA Scientific Program Committee members, who recognized the significance of this topic and included it in the meeting program. It has been a privilege to work with outstanding psychiatrists and colleagues in preparing this session, including Eugenio Rothe, M.D., Renato Alarcon, M.D., and Theresa Miskimen, M.D. After many years of successful work, they have built deep-rooted careers as clinicians, researchers, academicians, and leaders in psychiatry and issues pertinent to Latinx communities.As a group, we have worked for months to prepare this presentation. The session has been carefully crafted to cover the important social determinants of the mental health of Latinx: education, migration, unemployment, and economic status, among others. We have included pertinent health issues such as metabolic diseases, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive syndromes as they are frequent and often disabling comorbidities among Hispanics. The session will also address important aspects of ethnicity; acculturation; and intergenerational factors and their different manifestations by age, gender, and family roles. And, of course, we will discuss the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Latinx communities during 2020 and 2021 and how it links to mental health issues. Special attention will be paid to differences between monolingual and bilingual speaking communities.But the sessions will not be all about problems. My colleagues and I will explore areas of opportunity to enhance mental health, prevent mental illness, improve health literacy, and facilitate timely access to psychiatric treatment within Latinx populations. We also aim to discuss how we can mentor younger generations of Latinx medical students and psychiatry residents with the purpose of building a cadre of leaders for tomorrow. Program models that are already in the works will be presented so that they can be replicated and the presence of Latinx professionals can be enhanced.So, do not miss the opportunity to listen to this and many other presentations that are part of the APA scientific program. See you online in May. ■“Latinx 2021: Solving the Dilemma” will be held Sunday, May 2, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.Bernardo Ng, M.D., is medical director of Sun Valley Behavioral and Research Centers, a member of APA’s Council on International Psychiatry and Global Health, and a consultant to APA’s Scientific Program Committee. ISSUES NewArchived

Assessing the Validity of Self-rated Health Across Ethnic Groups: Implications for Health Disparities Research.

This study examines the association between morbidity (i.e., chronic health conditions) and self-rated health (SRH) with the aim of testing the within-group and across-group validity of SRH across nine ethnic groups: non-Latinx White, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, African American, Afro-Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese Americans. In addition, we assess whether acculturation (i.e., nativity, years of US residency, language of interview) and health-related factors (e.g., mental disorder) account for ethnic distinctions in SRH. Data are from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) and the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) (N = 8338). Weighted proportions and means for SRH and chronic conditions are reported. Ordered logistic regression analysis is used to determine ethnic group patterns in SRH. Despite evidence of within-group validity of SRH for each ethnic group, our results seriously challenge the across-group validity of SRH. For example, Chinese and Vietnamese respondents report lower SRH despite having fewer chronic conditions relative to non-Latinx Whites. Moreover, Mexican Americans report fewer chronic health problems but lower SRH compared to non-Latinx Whites. Acculturation factors (e.g., language of interview) partially explain the Mexican-White difference in SRH. Among Chinese Americans, completing an interview in English is associated with higher SRH relative to those who completed an interview in Chinese. These findings have implications for health disparities research that uses SRH as the dependent measure. Studies that compare the health profiles of diverse ethnic groups should use the SRH measure with caution, as SRH does not align with ethnic patterns of morbidity.