Bidimensional Acculturation Scale Research Articles

Psychometric Evaluation of the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale With a Sample of Latinx Sexual Minority Men

The Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS) is one of the most widely used acculturation scales in public health research, assessing two cultural dimensions of acculturation–Hispanic (e.g., how often participants read, speak, and think in Spanish) and non-Hispanic domains (e.g., how often participants read, speak, and think in English). The BAS has been shown to have acceptable reliability, but the factor structure of the BAS remains untested since its development in 1996 with a primarily Spanish-speaking sample (74%). Furthermore, the BAS has not been examined with a sample of Latinx sexual minorities, for whom the acculturation process may differ based on their sexual orientation. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the BAS with a sample of 357 Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk, the majority of whom identified as cisgender gay and bisexual men. Our findings confirmed that the factor structure of the BAS and the internal consistency of each factor were high. Regarding validity, the non-Hispanic domain was positively correlated with increased generational status and English language proficiency. Additionally, the non-Hispanic domain significantly predicted lower scores of lifetime experiences of intersectional forms of discrimination and the Hispanic domain significantly predicted higher scores of lifetime experiences of intersectional forms of discrimination. These findings further support the psychometric properties of the BAS with robust validity in a sample of LSMM.

Assessment of miscarriage factors among Latinas who live in the U.S.: a cross-sectional study.

Latinas in the US are underrepresented in miscarriage research, yet face several risk factors for having a miscarriage, including intimate partner violence, and increasing maternal age. Increased acculturation is associated to increased risk of intimate partner violence and adverse pregnancy outcomes among Latinas yet is also understudied in the realm of miscarriage. Thus, this study aimed to analyze and compare sociodemographic characteristics, health-related factors, intimate partner violence, and acculturation among Latinas with and without a history of miscarriage. This study utilizes a cross-sectional design to analyze baseline data from a randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of "Salud/Health, Educación/Education, Promoción/Promotion, y/and Autocuidado/Self-care" (SEPA), a human immunodeficiency virus risk reduction intervention for Latinas. Survey interviews were conducted in a private room at the University of Miami Hospital. Survey data analyzed include demographics, a bi-dimensional acculturation scale, a health and sexual health survey, and the hurt, insult, threaten, and scream tool. This study's sample was 296 Latinas, 18 to 50 years old, with and without a history of miscarriage. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests for continuous variables, negative binomial for counts, and chi-square for dichotomous or categorical variables. Most Latinas were Cuban (53%), lived in the U.S. an average of 8.4 years, had 13.7 years of education, and a monthly family income of $1,683.56. Latinas with history of miscarriage were significantly older, had more children, more pregnancies, and poorer self-rated health than Latinas without history of miscarriage. Although not significant, a high percentage of intimate partner violence (40%) and low levels of acculturation were reported. This study contributes new data about different characteristics of Latinas who have and have not experienced a miscarriage. Results can help identify Latinas at risk for miscarriage or its adverse-related outcomes and help develop public health policies focusing on preventing and managing miscarriage among Latinas. Further research is warranted to determine the role of intimate partner violence, acculturation, and self-rated health perceptions among Latinas who experience miscarriage. Certified nurse midwives are encouraged to provide Latinas with culturally tailored education on the importance of early prenatal care for optimal pregnancy outcomes.

Bi-dimensional acculturation and social support on perinatal depression in marriage-based immigrant women

BackgroundSociocultural factors play critical roles in the mental health of marriage-based immigrant women. However, the effect of bi-dimensional acculturation (“adaptation to host culture” and “maintenance of heritage culture”) and social support on perinatal depression across time was unknown among them. ObjectiveTo examine the effect of bi-dimensional acculturation and social support on perinatal depression among marriage-based immigrant women in Taiwan. MethodsThis longitudinal study recruited 310 immigrant mothers to complete structured questionnaires during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Bi-dimensional acculturation was measured using the Bi-dimensional Acculturation Scale for Marriage-Based Immigrant Women. Social support was measured by a three-subscale instrument, namely emotional, instrumental, and informational support. ResultsDepression scores increased from pregnancy to three months postpartum, and decreased from six to twelve months postpartum. The generalized estimating equation results showed that lower adaptation to host culture, emotional support, and informational support were associated with higher maternal depression scores over time. Maintaining heritage culture has both positive (from pregnancy to three months postpartum) and negative associations (from six to twelve months postpartum) with maternal depression, further, increased emotional support enhanced the protective effect of adaptation to host culture, but decreased the positive effect of maintenance of heritage culture on depression. ConclusionStrategies should be developed to assist perinatal immigrant women to adapt to the host culture, maintain their heritage culture, and resolve potential cultural conflicts to decrease their depression. Respect for immigrant mothers' heritage cultures should be accompanied by increased emotional support.

The psychometric properties of the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Marriage-Based Immigrant Women in Taiwan.

IntroductionMarriage-based immigrant women are increasing around the world. Although bi-dimensional acculturation is important for immigrant women’s health, the existing scales have mainly been developed for immigrant women in Western countries and hence some items may not be suitable for Asian contexts. Thus, we developed and evaluated the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Marriage-Based Immigrant Women (BAS-MBIW) in Taiwan.MethodsThe BAS-MBIW was developed based on a literature review and clinical observations. Bi-dimensional acculturation involves “adaptation to host culture (acculturation)” and “maintenance of heritage culture (enculturation).” The initial scale included two 24-item subscales. The validation samples were 310 marriage-based immigrant women who were pregnant for at least twelve weeks in Taiwan. The BAS-MBIW was assessed and modified by experts. Data analyses included factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.ResultsExpert reviews and factor analysis indicated that the scale had acceptable content and construct validity. The validated scale includes two 19-item subscales, encompassing six domains: language, media, food preference, cultural heritage, social interaction, and shopping and merchandise preference, with good internal consistencies (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient is 0.88 for acculturation and 0.83 for enculturation). Acculturation was positively related to local language ability and duration of immigration but negatively related to age at immigration, stress, and depression; whereas enculturation was positively related to age at immigration, stress, and depression but negatively related to duration of immigration, indicating convergent validity.ConclusionsThe BAS-MBIW offers reliable and valid assessments of pregnant immigrant women’s level of acculturation and enculturation in Taiwan. The BAS-MBIW could be used to assess bi-dimensional acculturation among marriage-based immigrant women.

Acculturation and sleep outcomes in Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III

This study investigates an association between acculturation and sleep outcomes in Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, an understudied population in sleep studies. Cross-sectional. About 1401 adults who spoke an Asian or Pacific Islander language from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. Acculturation was assessed using the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale and participants were categorized into non-Asian (proficient only in English), Bicultural (proficient in English and an Asian language), and Asian (proficient only in an Asian language). Nativity and years lived in the United States (US-born, ≤5 years, 6-20 years, and ≥21 years) was used as a proxy of acculturation. Linear and logistic regression models were examined associations between acculturation and sleep duration and sleep difficulties. Those in the Bicultural group slept slightly longer by 0.19 hours per day than those in the non-Asian group, but this increase was driven by those sleeping >9 hours. Foreign-born Asians who lived in the United States for 6-20 years and ≥21 years slept less by 0.17 and by 0.28 hours relative to US-born Asians. Foreign-born Asians who lived in the United States ≤5 years were less likely to have sleep difficulties than US-born Asians (odds ratio: 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.26-0.92). The Bicultural group has unusually long sleep hours, while the benefits of not having sleep difficulties among recent immigrants did not exist among immigrants who lived a longer time in the United States. Future studies should identify the mechanism underlying the observed associations.

Bi-dimensional acculturation and depressive symptom trajectories from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum in marriage-based immigrant women in Taiwan.

Childbirth may pose many challenges to the psychological well-being of marriage-based immigrant mothers in interracial marriages, who must negotiate bi-dimensional acculturation - adaptation to the host culture and maintenance of her own heritage culture. We examined the temporal relationships between bi-dimensional acculturation and depressive symptoms from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum among marriage-based immigrant mothers in Taiwan using the cross-lagged structural equation modeling. This study recruited 310 immigrant mothers, who were examined in the second and third trimesters, and again at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postpartum from March 2013 to December 2015. Depressive symptoms and bi-dimensional acculturation were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Marriage-Based Immigrant Women, respectively. The study found that adaptation to the host culture followed a downward linear trajectory, while maintenance of the mother's own heritage culture followed an upward linear trajectory from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum. All but one cross-lagged path between bi-dimensional acculturation and depressive symptoms was statistically insignificant, though almost all cross-sectional associations were significant. Adaptation to host culture was negatively associated with depressive symptoms at all time points. The association between maintenance of heritage culture and depressive symptoms reversed from positive to negative after 6 months postpartum. Adaptation to the host culture and maintenance of the mother's heritage culture differed in their associations with maternal depressive symptoms. Health professionals should assist immigrant mothers in adapting to the host culture while supporting their heritage culture in the childbearing period.

Abstract C065: Multilevel factors associated with depressive symptoms among long-term survivors of childhood cancer

Abstract Introduction Previous research has identified individual-level clinical and demographic factors associated with the mental health of childhood cancer survivors (CCS), but cultural and contextual factors have not been as thoroughly explored. Additionally, Hispanics are underrepresented in studies of CCS, so improved understanding of unique correlates of mental health among this population is needed. Methods Depressive symptoms were assessed among a sample of 1,106 young adult CCS. Participants were selected from the Los Angeles County SEER Cancer Registry, and were diagnosed at ages 0-19 between 1996-2010 with any cancer, at least 5 years post diagnosis, treated 2+ years ago, currently aged 18-39. Analyses were restricted to Hispanic participants currently living in California (n=522) who completed an acculturation measure. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association of depressive symptoms with neighborhood Hispanic ethnic enclave and individual acculturation, controlling for relevant demographic and clinical factors. Ethnic enclave residence was also explored as a potential moderator of the effect of acculturation on depressive symptoms. Ethnic enclave is a composite index based on census data reflecting household linguistic isolation, English language proficiency, and proportion of Hispanics, foreign born, and recent immigrants in a given census tract. This index score was dichotomized for analysis (based on the statewide distribution). A bi-dimensional acculturation scale measured Hispanic and Anglo orientation, but due to limited variability on the Anglo subscale (majority of the sample reported high Anglo orientation), it was excluded from the interaction model to focus on differences by Hispanic orientation. Results In a multivariable model of main effects controlling for age, sex, treatment intensity, years since diagnosis, and education, a significant negative association between Hispanic orientation and depressive symptoms was found (b=-0.17, p=0.03) while no significant association was found for ethnic enclave. When accounting for the interaction, ethnic enclave was found to moderate the association with Hispanic orientation. When stratifying models by enclave, Hispanic orientation was negatively associated with depressive symptoms for those residing in high ethnic enclaves (b=-0.24, p=0.01), while there was no significant association observed for those residing in low enclaves. Conclusions These results suggest that concordance between an individual’s ethnic orientation and the neighborhood cultural context may be protective against poor mental health. One potential mediating factor is increased social support and future research should examine this factor to better understand contributors to mental health across the survivorship continuum among CCS and to identify groups that may benefit from targeted intervention and/or survivorship support services. Citation Format: Jessica Tobin, Myles Cockburn, Brian K Finch, Ann S Hamilton, Joel E Milam. Multilevel factors associated with depressive symptoms among long-term survivors of childhood cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C065.

PREDICTORS OF ATTRITION IN THE MULTI-ETHNIC 1FLORIDA ADRC CLINICAL CORE

Understanding predictors of attrition can position researchers to increase retention efforts and focus on preventing attrition. Attrition, or dropout of participants during a study prior to completion, can threaten the internal and external validity of a study’s findings. Data from the 1FloridaADRC Clinical Core was analyzed, and included 271 participants within a two-year follow-up window, of which 216 (79.7%) were retained. T-tests and chi-square analyses were used to determine if a number of demographic, clinical, acculturation, and neuroimaging predictors were associated with attrition. The participant cohort included: 85% with cognitive impairment; 60% Hispanic; 42% over the age of 75; and 62% female. Predictors of greater attrition included: age over 75 years (p< .003); cognitive diagnosis of MCI or dementia (p< .01); and lower scores on the Mini-Mental Status Exam (p<.04), the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) immediate (p< .02), and delayed (p<.002) Higher total score on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (p<.06), endorsement of night time behaviors (p<.05) and greater hippocampal atrophy (p<.02) were also predictive of attrition. Hispanic ethnicity was not a predictor of attrition, as retention was 81% for Hispanics versus 79% for non-Hispanics. However, among Hispanic participants, English acculturation measured by the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics was lower for those who dropped out (t=2.8; p=.006).

Assessing the Prevalence and Association of Acculturation and Health Literacy Levels in Spanish-Speaking Hispanic Patients at Midwestern Community Health Centers in the USA

Predictions from the US census indicate that by 2060 one of every three individuals living in the nation will be of Hispanic origin. Hispanics experience health disparities manifested with higher rates of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes in contrast with other US population groups. Health literacy and acculturation have been well identified as key contributors for this issue. However, very few studies have examined the association between health literacy and levels of acculturation in Spanish-speaking Hispanics living in rural and urban areas of the USA. To assess the prevalence and association of acculturation with low levels of health literacy and demographic variables in Spanish-speaking Hispanics in the US Midwest. We measured levels of acculturation in Spanish-speaking adult Hispanics (N = 401) accessing community health centers in rural and urban Nebraska. We used a survey that included the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics/Linguistic Proficiency Subscale (BAS/LP) and the Short Assessment of Health Literacy in Spanish (SAHL-S). We observed similar acculturation levels with rural and urban status participants. A total of 85% of the total participants had low levels of acculturation to US culture. Of the 15% of the participants who showed themselves to be bicultural, 81% reported adequate levels of health literacy in Spanish. Our findings are consistent with previous studies that report the associations between acculturation and health literacy levels are significant. This study underscores the importance of considering the cultural aspects of the Hispanic community for the development of health literacy interventions and education programs.

The associations between subdimensions of religiosity and illicit substance use among latino sexual minority men

BackgroundLatino sexual minority men (SMM) may be a group disproportionately at risk for substance use than heterosexual Latino men and non-Latino SMM. As religiosity may be a culturally relevant factor, the current study aimed to explore the association of three subcomponents of religiosity: organizational religious activity (ORA; i.e., public religious activity), non-organizational religious activity (NORA; i.e., private religious activity), and intrinsic religiosity (IR; i.e., personal commitment to one's religion) in predicting illicit substance use. MethodParticipants were 151 Latino SMM recruited from San Diego County (M = 24.18 years of age, SD = 3.19), who completed online self-report questionnaires in English or Spanish. Binary outcome variables represented use of illicit substances in the past month vs. no use. Religiosity was assessed using the three subscales (ORA, NORA, and IR) of the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL). Acculturation was controlled for using the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. ResultsORA was associated with opiates (OR = 1.53, p = .04). NORA was associated with cocaine (OR = 1.69, p = .01), opiates (OR = 1.56, p = .04), amphetamines (OR = 1.67, p = .02), and sedatives (OR = 2.33, p = .001). IR was associated with amphetamines (OR = 1.34, p = .03). ConclusionNORA is positively associated with multiple illicit substances, and may represent greater internalization of anti-gay religious doctrines compared to other components of religiosity in Latino SMM. An intersectional approach addressing religious and sexual minority identity may be useful in substance use treatment for Latino SMM.

Ethnic Drinking Culture, Acculturation, and Enculturation in Relation to Alcohol Drinking Behavior Among Marriage-Based Male Immigrants in Taiwan.

Drinking behavior among immigrants could be influenced by drinking-related cultural norms in their country of origin and host country. This study examined the association of ethnic drinking culture, acculturation, and enculturation with alcohol drinking among male immigrants in Taiwan. This cross-sectional survey recruited 188 male immigrants. Ethnic drinking culture was divided into dry and wet according to per capita alcohol consumption and abstinent rate in the countries of origin in reference to that in Taiwan. A scale, Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Marriage-Based Immigrants, was developed to measure acculturation (adaptation to the host culture) and enculturation (maintenance of the original culture). Drinking patterns (abstinent, low-risk drinking, and hazardous drinking) were determined by scores on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. There was a significant interaction between ethnic drinking culture and enculturation/acculturation on drinking patterns. Multinomial logistic regression models identified that for those from dry ethnic drinking cultures, a high level of acculturation was associated with increased low-risk drinking, while a high level of enculturation was associated with decreased low-risk drinking. For those from wet ethnic drinking cultures, a low level of acculturation and high level of enculturation were associated with increased hazardous drinking. High family socioeconomic status was associated with increased drinking, while perceived insufficient family income was positively associated with hazardous use. To prevent hazardous use of alcohol, health education should be targeted at immigrant men who drink, especially among those who have economic problems, are from wet ethnic drinking cultures, and demonstrate low adaptation to the host culture.

Associations between language acculturation, age of immigration, and obesity in the Mexican American Mano A Mano cohort

As Mexican immigrants to the U.S. become acculturated, they face worsening health outcomes such as obesity. The role of language acculturation in the development of obesity has not been thoroughly examined. To examine associations between language acculturation and obesity, data were drawn from the Mexican-American Mano A Mano cohort study. Participants aged 20 years and over (n=18,298) completed baseline questionnaires on socio-demographic and behavioural factors, including physical activity and sitting time. The Bi-dimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics assessed language acculturation. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression was conducted to investigate associations between language acculturation, immigration age, and obesity, and whether sitting time and physical activity mediated these associations. Individuals with obesity were more linguistically acculturated than individuals who were normal weight or overweight (P<0.001); however, this relationship differed by gender and nativity. Among Mexico-born women, language acculturation score was inversely related to BMI (P<0.001). Language acculturation was associated with higher risk of obesity (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.12-1.62) in U.S.-born participants and lower risk in Mexico-born participants (OR=0.90, 95%CI=0.81-1.00). For Mexico-born participants, arrival in the U.S. as an adult (≥20years old) was associated with a reduced obesity risk (OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.67-0.80). Sitting time mediated the association between language acculturation and obesity. Language acculturation may influence obesity development among the U.S.-born Mexican Americans in this cohort, but not their Mexico-born counterparts. Sitting time could be targeted in obesity prevention efforts in this population.

The Impact of Parental Reaction to Sexual Orientation on Depressive Symptoms and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Hispanic Men Who Have Sex with Men

This study examined the relationship of parent reaction to sexual orientation with depressive symptoms and safer sex among Hispanic adult men who have sex with men (MSM). We also examined men's acculturation to the U.S. (Americanism) in relation with these variables. Cross-sectional data collected from July 2011 to December 2012, from 125 MSM with a mean age of 43.02years. Instruments included the Perceived Parent Reaction Scale, the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Safer Sex Behavior Questionnaire and the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale. Data was analyzed using Hierarchical generalized linear models (GZLM). Among men whose parents knew of their sexual orientation, rejection of son's sexual orientation from mother (p=0.032) and from father (p=0.004) was related to higher number of depressive symptoms. Parent reactions were not directly related to safer sex behaviors. Americanism was associated with lower depressive symptoms (p=0.001) but was not related to safer sex behaviors. Current parent attitudes about their sons' sexual orientation had an effect on the sons' emotional wellbeing and acculturation may play a protective role. Mental health and primary care clinicians working with Hispanic MSM should assess for level of family support and provide resources to assist with disclosure and family acceptance of sexual orientation as indicated, particularly among recently immigrated men who may be at higher risk.

Associations of Acculturation With Self-Report and Objective Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among Latinas.

Less than 50% of Latinas meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. Acculturation is a complex cultural phenomenon that may influence health behaviors, but associations between acculturation and Latinas' activity and sedentary levels are unclear. To examine associations of acculturation with Latinas' domain-specific and total PA as well as sedentary time. We analyzed baseline data collected between 2011 and 2013 among 410 Latinas (18-65 years) from a PA promotion intervention in San Diego, CA ( Fe en Acción/ Faith in Action). Participants wore an accelerometer to assess moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time and completed a survey assessing domain-specific PA, sociodemographics, and acculturation as measured by length of residence in the United States and the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS) for Hispanics. Higher acculturation was defined as longer residence in the United States or being either assimilated or bicultural as per scores on the Hispanic and Anglo domains of the BAS. Based on weekly averages from the accelerometer, Latinas spent 103 minutes in MVPA and 76% of total activity in sedentary time. Only 32% met MVPA recommendations via self-reported leisure-time and transportation PA. Longer residence in the United States was inversely associated with reporting any transportation or occupational PA and meeting MVPA recommendations. Assimilated/bicultural Latinas had significantly less accelerometer-based total MVPA and higher sedentary time than their lower acculturated counterparts. Overall, higher acculturation, based on either measure, was related to less activity. Our findings suggest interventions tailored to the acculturation levels of Latinas are needed to help reduce disparities in Latinas' PA and sedentary behaviors.

John Henryism Active Coping, Acculturation, and Psychological Health in Korean Immigrants

This study aimed to explore the levels of John Henryism (JH) active coping and its association with acculturation status and psychological health (specifically perceived stress, acculturative stress, anxiety, and depression) in Korean immigrants to the United States. In 102 Korean immigrants, JH active coping was measured by the JH Scale; acculturation by the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale; perceived stress by the Perceived Stress Scale; acculturative stress by the Social, Attitudinal, Familial, and Environmental Scale; anxiety by the State Anxiety Subscale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; and depression by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The levels of JH active coping in this sample of Korean immigrants appear to be lower than the levels reported in other racial groups. Independent of demographic factors, JH active coping was a significant predictor of higher acculturation status and better psychological health as indicated by lower levels of perceived stress, acculturative stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Code Switching and the Hispanic Consumer

This study examines the influence of acculturation and language on the emotional response of three print advertisements (English, Spanish, Code Switched) through an experimental methodology founded on the Revised Hierarchical and the Conceptual Feature Models. The advertising treatments and surveys were administered to a convenience sample of 272 respondents in a large southwestern metropolitan area from five local Hispanic churches. The Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics was used to measure acculturation (Low, High, Bicultural). Emotional responses to the print advertisements were measured using the Emotional Quotient Scale and the condensed Reaction Profile. Results revealed some significant differences in advertising preferences. Results also suggested that a code-switched advertisement could be both culturally relevant and appropriate for reaching the majority of the Hispanic market. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Health Risk Factors and Behaviors of Limited-Income Hispanic Women in EFNEP and WIC

To describe health-risk factors and behaviors of EFNEP and WIC participants. Nutrition education provided by EFNEP and WIC may need to better adapt to community needs based on participants' current behaviors and knowledge. In Arizona's Maricopa County, most EFNEP and WIC participants are Hispanic women. For the study, participants completed the EFNEP Behavior Checklist, five questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, demographics, self-reported height and weight, and the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and comparisons were made using chi-square. Significance was set at p<0.05. Of the 374 limited-income women, 49% participated in EFNEP and 51% in WIC. Although 83% self-identified as Hispanic, 46% were Hispanic-dominant (less acculturated), 25% bicultural, and 29% English-dominant (more acculturated) by the BAS. Forty percent had a BMI =30 (obese). Half of the EFNEP behavior checklist items showed significant differences by acculturation status: English-dominant women compared food prices, fed their children after waking, and ran out of food more often than Hispanic-dominant women. Hispanic-dominant women added salt to foods, thawed foods unsafely at room temperature, and left meat and dairy unrefrigerated more often. Notably, 33% of Hispanic-dominant and 9% of English-dominant women did not know their height and/or weight. Only 12% of Hispanic-dominant versus 48% of English-dominant women had ever smoked. Participants lack key knowledge areas of food behaviors, but show differences in health risk factors by acculturation. Bicultural and English-dominant women may benefit from smoking cessation counseling, whereas Hispanic-dominant women may benefit from body composition information.

Canned bean popularity varies by acculturation among low income Latinas (393.6)

Canned dried beans such as pinto, black, navy, and kidney were recently added as WIC food package options. With reduced preparation time and a long storage life, canned beans provide a nutritious non‐fat vegetable source of protein, fiber, folate, and other micronutrient options to busy families with limited resources. Survey data regarding attitudes toward consumption and perceptions of canned beans were collected from 443 low income women aged 18‐65 enrolled in WIC, EFNEP, and a county unemployment center. Seventy‐two percent self‐identified as Hispanic and 53% were non‐US born. Using the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS), 38% were Hispanic‐dominant (SPAN), 23% bicultural (BI), and 39% English‐dominant (ENG). There were significant differences in attitudes and perceptions of canned beans by acculturation as measured by the BAS. Only 23% of SPAN women purchased canned beans in contrast to 53% of BI, and 76% of ENG women. For Likert scale questions on canned bean attributes, more SPAN women agreed than their BI or ENG peers that canned beans: do not taste good (50%, 27% BI, 19% ENG), their family will not eat them (42%, 20% BI, 14% ENG), are not healthy (26%, 13% BI, 5% ENG), and contain preservatives (64%, 42% BI, 27% ENG). These attitudes and misperceptions reduce the policy effectiveness of including canned beans as well as the potential time savings in food preparation. Health education with low income Latinas should include culturally appropriate dialogue to increase or maintain bean consumption in this vulnerable population.

Association of Acculturation, Nativity, and Years Living in the United States with Biobanking among Individuals of Mexican Descent

Biobanking is the collection of human biospecimens (tissues, blood, and body fluids) and their associated clinical and outcome data. Hispanics are less likely to provide biologic specimens for biobanking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of acculturation, nativity status, and years living in the United States with participation in biobanking among individuals of Mexican descent. Participants were 19,212 adults of Mexican descent enrolled in an ongoing population-based cohort in Houston, TX. Participants were offered the opportunity to provide a blood, urine, or saliva sample for biobanking. Acculturation was assessed with the bidimensional acculturation scale for Hispanics and scores were categorized into "low acculturation," "bicultural," and "high-acculturation." After multivariable adjustment, we found an increased likelihood of participation in biobanking among individuals classified as "bicultural" as compared with "highly acculturated" individuals [OR, 1.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.10-2.26]. The associations of nativity status and years living in the United States with biobanking were not statistically significant. After stratifying by gender, the associations of acculturation, nativity status, and years living in the United States with biobanking were not statistically significant. Although individuals of Mexican descent who were "bicultural" were more likely to participate in biobanking than individuals who were "highly acculturated," the difference in rates of participation among acculturation categories was small. The high participation rate in biospecimen collection is likely due to extensive community-engaged research efforts. Future studies are warranted to understand individuals' participation in biobanking. Community-engaged research efforts may increase Hispanics' participation in biobanking. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 402-8. ©2014 AACR.

The effect of western adaptation of Hispanic-Americans on their assessment of Korean facial profiles

ObjectiveTo determine Korean facial profile preferences based on lip position as assessed by Hispanic-Americans of varying western adaptation levels and to determine whether the age and sex of the rater had any influence.MethodsFor this study, 132 Hispanic-Americans and 68 Caucasians of varying age, sex and western adaptation levels volunteered to rate their preference of Korean male and female facial silhouettes having lips ranging from retruding to protruding. The Hispanic-Americans were also asked to complete a Bidimensional Acculturation Scale questionnaire to determine their western adaptation status: low-acculturated Hispanics (LAH; lesser western-adapted Hispanic participants) or high-acculturated Hispanics (HAH; higher western-adapted Hispanic participants).ResultsThe LAHs preferred significantly more retruded lip positions (p < 0.05) while HAHs showed some similarities with Caucasian participants in the results for the Korean male profile, even though HAHs preferred more retruded lip positions for the Korean female profile than Caucasians did (p < 0.05). The age and sex of raters did not influence the preference of facial profiles (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that Hispanic-Americans prefer a flatter Korean lip profile. It would be prudent for orthodontists to offer patients the option of altering lip profile through orthodontic and/or orthognathic surgery treatments.