Language Acculturation Research Articles

The Effects of Eliminating Idiomatic American English From High-Stakes Nursing Examinations.

In the United States, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) health care providers are important to the nursing workforce but often face challenges when taking the NCLEX-RN examination. This study evaluated the effects of removing slang and words with multiple meanings from high-stakes examination questions. This study used a quantitative, experimental posttest-only control group design and included a convenience sample of 169 nursing students from a college in southern Florida. Nursing students performed significantly better on the experimental (M = 79.9 [7.48]) than on the control examination (M = 75.08 [10.51]), t(151.8) = 2.973, p = .003. Students with low language acculturation scores achieved significantly higher scores on the experimental (M = 81.48 [SD = 6.05]) versus the control examinations (M = 72.21 [10.09]), t(60.9) = 4.975, p = .001. Modifying examination questions linguistically can help ESOL nursing students perform better and aid examination creators to design bias-free tests. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(12):818-825.].

Determining the role of acculturative stress in predicting mental health service use among Latinx immigrants

ABSTRACT Objectives Acculturative stress is an important factor that affects health for Latinx immigrants in the US, with multiple studies identifying a link between depression and acculturative stress in this population. However, far fewer studies have examined the specific role and relationship of acculturative stress on mental health service use in this population. Through the lens of Yang’s 2016 Model of Immigrant Health Service Use, this study aimed to examine the role of acculturative stress in predicting mental health service use in a sample of Latinx immigrants in the Southeast US. Design We conducted a secondary data analysis from a longitudinal study of Latinx immigrant health (n = 391). Results Our study found that while total acculturative stress was not significantly associated with mental health service use in this sample, parenting stress was a significant predictor of mental health service use in the past six months when controlling for covariates (OR: 1.043, 95% CI [1.009, 1.078]). Additionally, important Predisposing and Need for Healthcare factors were significantly associated with mental health service use, specifically: males were less likely to utilize mental health services than females (OR: 0.401, 95% CI [0.166-0.968]), English language acculturation was positively associated with mental health service use (OR: 1.953, 95% CI [1.130, 3.377]), and depression was positively associated with mental health service use (OR: 1.107, 95% CI [1.027, 1.194]). Conclusion These findings support the need for more culturally sensitive mental health services, and the need to develop strategies to engage males and less acculturated individuals in mental health services to promote health equity among Latinx immigrants.

Roe v. Wade Overturned: The Association of Acculturation with Interest in and Awareness of Hospital Services for Family Planning Among Hispanic Women.

Introduction: The overturning of Roe v. Wade impacted family planning services in many areas of the United States (US). Our study investigates the association of acculturation with interest in and awareness of family planning hospital services of contraception and elective termination of pregnancy among Hispanic women. Methods: We surveyed 306 Hispanic women at a public hospital in a Long Island suburb of New York City. Predictor variables were acculturation (language, media, ethnic social relations) measured by the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics and years lived in the US. Outcome variables were interest in and awareness of hospital services of family planning for elective abortion and non-elective non-abortion family planning methods. Results: For interest in hospital services, both language and ethnic social relations acculturation were significantly positively associated with almost all family planning methods whether abortion or non-abortion. However, media acculturation and years lived in the US were significantly positively associated with abortion but not the non-abortion methods. For awareness of hospital services, only language acculturation was significantly positively associated with abortion and some nonelective non-abortion family planning methods. Conclusion: We recommend that healthcare providers and hospitals should be aware of acculturation levels when providing counseling and information about family planning methods to Hispanic women.

Abstract P398: Family History of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension Are Associated With Prevalent Disease in US Americans of South Asian Origin

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease and stroke, CVD) is a major health risk among the South Asian diaspora in the US. Factors like genetics and acculturation can influence the onset and progression of these diseases. Our study investigated the associations of acculturation and family history with CVD and a major CVD risk factor of hypertension (HTN) in US South Asians. Methods: We surveyed 105 US South Asian adult participants recruited at a community event. Respondents provided information on acculturation (measured by the adoption of English spoken at home), and family history of CVD and HTN in parents and siblings. Prevalence of CVD and HTN were compared between those with or without factors of interest. Multivariate logistic regression models were run for family history variables of interest, adjusted for age, gender, and English speaking at home. Results: Participants had median age 54 (range 20-75) years, and 69.2% were male. The Table shows the association of parental and sibling history of CVD and hypertension with having CVD or HTN personally, and the association of home language with these conditions. Multivariate adjusted logistic regression analysis found little attenuation, in that , sibling history of CVD remained significantly associated with personal CVD (p = 0.026), parental history of HTN remained significantly associated with personal HTN (p=0.004) and sibling history of HTN remained significantly associated with personal HTN (p=0.014). Conclusion: Among South Asians in the US, family history in 1st degree relatives, rather than language acculturation, is associated with personal CVD and HTN, suggesting a genetic burden. The stronger association of sibling history rather than parental history of CVD suggests a possible role of environmental or secular factors that siblings may share more than parents and offspring. In this population at high risk of CVD, careful recording of family history may help early prevention strategies.

Language Acculturation of Javanese and Madurese Communities: Slang Variations of Pendalungan Teenagers in Jember Regency

This study aims to explain the formation and reasons for the use of slang language of Pendalungan teenagers in Jember Regency. This research used descriptive qualitative method. The research data is in the form of words from Javanese and Madurese acculturation that contain slang language forms and spoken by teenagers in daily communication. Data collection used observation technique supported by listen-engage-note technique. The data analysis technique used is the commensurate (padan) method and the agih method. Based on the results of this study, there are four categories of slang variation formation in terms of morphological formation, namely: (1) Abbreviations, such as the abbreviation LA and the acronym Kardiman. (2) New Words, such as cungucui, pacapa, crème, and tompes. (3) Reduplication, such as ya megaya, and rep sekarep. (4) Inserts, such as cellepnya and ngabesnya. The reasons for using slang consist of five reasons, namely (1) familiarity, (2) solid and concrete, (3) user creativity, (4) group recognition, and (5) enriching vocabulary. The conclusion of the research findings shows the formation of slang language by absorbing Javanese and Madurese as well as new words that are different from the original language. Pendalungan teenagers in Jember district dominantly use slang language which is mixed with Javanese, Madurese, and Indonesian daily language.

Language acculturation among the children of immigrants in Spain at the end of the prodigious decade of immigration

En España, pocos estudios han analizado cómo los hijos de inmigrantes combinan la adquisición del español con el mantenimiento/adquisición de sus lenguas de herencia. Este trabajo avanza en esa dirección explotando datos de una encuesta realizada al final de la llamada década prodigiosa de la inmigración en España. Mediante análisis de conglomerados y bivariados analizamos la distribución de los hijos de inmigrantes en los cuatro tipos de aculturación lingüística resultantes de esta conjunción. El bilingüismo competente es el más frecuente, seguido de la asimilación monolingüística. Sin embargo, el 45% de la muestra no encajaba en el bilingüismo competente, lo que indica una infraexplotación del potencial bilingüe de estos jóvenes. Los análisis multivariantes muestran que las probabilidades de situarse en un tipo de aculturación u otro se ven afectadas por la edad de llegada a España y por la preferencia del idioma utilizado. Los jóvenes de origen chino son los que presentan una situación más problemática en su integración lingüística en la sociedad de acogida.

H - 70 Self-Administration of the Language Acculturation Metertm in a Clinical Older Adult Population: a Pilot Study.

Language acculturation is the process by which a bilingual individual obtains proficiency and comfort in speaking a new language while maintaining fluency in their native language. Considering the degree of language acculturation in bilingual patients is essential to choosing appropriate tests and interpreting neuropsychological assessment. The Language Acculturation Meter™ (LAM) was created for native Spanish speakers who are bilingual in English to aid in selecting and interpreting verbally-administered assessments. While the LAM was created to be completed as an interview, a Spanish version of the form exists and can be given to patients to complete independently. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and utility of self-administered LAM in a clinical older adult population in NY State. The LAM was given to Spanish-speaking older adults and their caregivers as part of their clinical neuropsychological evaluation at Montefiore's Memory Disorders Centers. 16 patient and caregiver dyads completed the LAM in either English or Spanish. Patient ages ranged from 67 to 83; 75% of the patients were female, and 56% self-identified as bilingual. 18% of patients completed the LAM without caregiver assistance. Dyads did not comment on the form, but early qualitative feedback suggests that some had difficulty understanding how to complete aspects of the LAM, and others found that some items on the LAM did not apply to them. The LAM is a previously validated interview tool that requires further research to determine if it can be used as a self-report questionnaire in clinical populations, including older adults with cognitive complaints.

Association of Acculturation and Hispanic/Latino Background with Endogenous Sex and Thyroid-Related Hormones Among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanic/Latino Adults: the HCHS/SOL Study.

Hormones are linked to cardiometabolic diseases and may be impacted by acculturation though multiple mechanisms. We evaluated associations of Hispanic/Latino background and acculturation with levels of sex- and thyroid-related hormones and the potential mediating effect of adiposity, lifestyle factors, and sleep apnea syndrome on these associations. We studied 1789 adults, aged 45-74, from a sub-cohort of the Hispanic Community Health Survey/Study of Latinos. Peri/pre-menopausal women and individuals on medications related to hormones were excluded. Our study assessed eleven sex- and thyroid-related hormones, Hispanic/Latino background, and five acculturation measures. Associations were assessed using multivariable linear and logistic regression adjusted for survey design and confounding variables. We explored potential mediation using a path analysis. In postmenopausal women, acculturation score-MESA was associated with decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (β = - 0.13;95%CI = - 0.22, - 0.03) while age at immigration greater than the median (vs US-born) was associated with decreased (β = - 14.6; 95%CI = - 28.2, - 0.99) triiodothyronine (T3). In men, language acculturation and acculturation score-MESA were associated with increased estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) while age at immigration greater and lesser than the median (vs US-born) was associated with decreased SHBG. Hispanic/Latino background (Mexicans as reference) were selectively associated with sex- and thyroid-related hormone levels in both sexes. Current smoking and sleep apnea syndrome partially mediated the association of Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage (vs Mexican) with T3 levels in men and postmenopausal women, respectively. Selected acculturation measures were associated with thyroid-related hormones in postmenopausal women and sex-related hormones in men. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the relationship of acculturation and Hispanic/Latino background with hormones warrants additional investigation.

Acculturation level and change in cigarette consumption behaviors among diverse Hispanics/Latinos: the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

PurposeTo study associations between language acculturation level and changes in cigarette consumption among the diverse and growing U.S.-based Hispanic/Latino population and inform culturally tailored smoking prevention and cessation strategies. MethodsIn the Hispanic Community Health Survey/Study of Latinos cohort, we used cigarette consumption behaviors at baseline (2008–2011) and follow-up (2014–2017) and a modified Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH) language subscale to measure associations of language acculturation (unidimensional) with changes in cigarette consumption and quitting rates. Weighted multivariable linear and logistic regressions were stratified by daily (n = 1397) and nondaily (n = 633) smoking, and either sex, educational attainment, or migration status. ResultsSmokers at baseline (n = 2030) on average were aged 42 years old (SE = 0.5) with a mean SASH-language score of 2.3 (SE = 0.1; range = 1–5), indicating more Spanish language use. Among male daily smokers, we observed increases in smoked cigarettes-per-day (CPD) with unit increases in SASH-language score (1.08, 95% CI: 0.24–1.92). Associations with acculturation trended toward greater increases in CPD and lower odds of quitting as educational attainment increased. ConclusionsLanguage acculturation level is an important determinant for increased smoking behaviors, particularly among men. Our findings are significant in informing smoking reduction programs for the Hispanic/Latino population.

The Longitudinal Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Participants From the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study

to investigate the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on older Hispanic adults. A total of 522 participants (or their family member, if deceased) from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study were asked whether they had been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, across 2 survey phases. In phase 1 (May - Aug 2020, n=497), participants answered survey questions related to SARS-CoV-2 exposure, diagnosis, and transmission and 5 family members reported deaths. In phase 2, participants were again surveyed (January - June 2021; n=420, and 2 family members reported deaths). SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and/or death apparently from SARS-CoV-2 was self-reported. In 2020, 5.2% reported that they had been SARS-CoV-2 positive; by June 2021, a cumulative 11.0% reported having been SARS-CoV-2 positive (including cases and deaths in the first survey). A total of 7 participants (1.3%) reportedly died from SARS-CoV-2. Language acculturation was significantly lower among participants with SARS-CoV-2 (13.7 ± 17.9) vs. without SARS-CoV-2 (20.0 ± 21.4; P = 0.049). Mean length of return to usual health was 28 ± 38 days (range: 0-210 days; median = 15 days). Depressive symptomatology was significantly lower during the pandemic (CES-D score: 13.4 ± 11.6) compared to the same participants pre-pandemic (17.8 ± 11.7; P = 0.001). Compared to the months before the pandemic, 32% (n=135) of participants reported greater communication with friends and family, and 41% (n=172) reported no change. Public health models should be personalized to communities, considering their unique structures and cultural beliefs. Social resiliency may be key for future programmatic responses to pandemics to reduce the mental health burden.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Economically Marginalized Hispanic Parents of Children under Five Years in the United States.

Hispanic children in the US have high rates of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths. Following FDA emergency approval, COVID-19 vaccination rates for young children under five years have been alarmingly low, especially in border states with significant Hispanic populations. This study identified social and cultural determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among economically marginalized Hispanic parents of children under five. In 2022, following FDA approval, 309 Hispanic female guardians in US border states responded to an online survey assessing parental intent to vaccinate their child, demographic characteristics, COVID-19 health and vaccine beliefs, trust in traditional sources of health information, physician and community support, and acculturation to Anglo American norms. The majority (45.6%) did not intend to vaccinate their child or were unsure (22.0%). Kendall's tau-b indicated vaccine acceptance was negatively associated with COVID-19 specific and general vaccine distrust, belief the vaccine was unnecessary, time living in the U.S., and language acculturation (range tb = -0.13 to -0.44; p = 0.05-0.001) and positively related to trust in traditional resources, doctor's recommendation, child's age, household income and parent education (range tb = 0.11 to 0.37; p = 0.05-0.001). This research highlights the importance of COVID-19 vaccination public health strategies that draw on Hispanic cultural values, community partnerships and enhanced pediatrician communication regarding routine and COVID-19-specific vaccinations.

Implikasi Teologis Kosakata Mu’arrab dalam Al-Qur’an

This study aims to explain the theological dimensions that arise due to the presence of non-Arabic vocabulary (mu'arrab) in the Qur'an. Language is a medium in conveying the intentions, needs and goals of its users, both verbally and non-verbally. Language development can follow the cultural evolution of a civilization. It is not surprising that the vocabulary of one language can be found in another language because linguistic changes occur as a result of interactions between speakers of different languages. This research is a library research, using the documentation method, namely by finding and collecting data related to the discussion in this thesis to then be analyzed using the analytical-descriptive method, namely by looking at arguments regarding non-Arabic vocabulary in Al- Qur'an from various experts, both Islamic scientists and orientalists, then the data obtained is analyzed. The aim of this research is to explore mu'arrab in terms of historical, sociocultural and linguistic aspects, and also to prove that non-Arabic vocabulary is natural as a result of the contact between languages ​​and cultures that has occurred. The results of this study indicate that there has been interaction between Arabic and northern Aramia through trade routes, migration and mixing between Aramia and Arabs in the Hijāz. With the mixing between the two languages, then there is language acculturation. Many Arabic vocabularies related to civilization and industry which are loans from Aramia is a very natural thing because it is impossible for the Arabs who are still shrouded in ignorance to recognize these vocabularies.

Linguodidactic Potential of Coordinative Paremiology

A number of Russian theorists and linguistic teachers have developed a method of the folkloreparemiological approach to the study of the Russian language, which is very successfully implemented in practice. To fill the gap in the general catalog of bilingual theories, the author of the article has developed an «Indian»-Russian paremiological method adapted to solving important ethnolinguodidactic problems. Sharing the results of an experimental lesson at Kabardino-Balkarian State University, the author covers issues related to folklore sources, the teaching potential of coordinative, contrastive, «geographical» proverbs and sayings, as well as the method of language acculturation.

Abstract 14801: Protective Associations of Dairy Foods and Cardiometabolic Markers Differ by Food Type and Fat Content: The Boston Puerto Rican Health Study

Introduction: The relation of dairy intake with cardiometabolic (CM) markers remains unclear due to a complex nutrient profile across dairy types. This study aimed to evaluate associations between dairy intake and CM markers among Puerto Rican adults with excessive CM burden. Methods: Baseline and 2-y follow-up data on diet and CM markers were available for 1110 participants aged 46-78y. Diet was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dairy groups (total, milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, total with any fat, total without fat) were created from disaggregated foods and presented as servings/d/2000 kcal (s/d). Mean dietary intakes across two visits were used. CM biomarkers were assessed from fasted blood at 2-y and included waist circumference (WC), HDL and LDL cholesterol, TG, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, homocysteine (Hcy), C-reactive protein (CRP), blood pressure (BP) and Framingham risk score (FRS). Generalized linear and logistic regression were used to determine associations between dairy variables and each CM marker, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, kcal, alcohol and fruit /vegetable intakes, CVD/diabetes medications, language acculturation score, smoking, perceived stress, and physical activity. Multiple comparisons were adjusted by FDR correction. Results: Mean age was 59.3±7.7y, 70% female, 80% with metabolic syndrome. Total dairy intake was 2.3±1.1 s/d; 2.1±1.0 from dairy with fat and 0.2±0.5 without fat. Total dairy, dairy with fat, and milk intakes were associated with lower Hcy (β -0.37, SE 0.12, P =0.0012; β -0.39, SE 0.13, P =0.003; β -0.42, SE 0.13, P =0.002; respectively); non-fat dairy with lower WC (β -1.41, SE 0.44, P =0.001); milk with lower odds of high BP (OR 0.84, P =0.04); cheese with lower TG (β -18.5, SE 9.2, P= 0.04); yogurt with lower HbA1c (β -0.46, SE 0.17, P =0.008); cream with lower HbA1c (β -0.20, SE 0.10, P =0.04) and HOMA-IR (β -1.33, SE 0.56, P =0.02). No associations were seen with cholesterol, CRP, insulin, or TG. After FDR correction, findings remained significant for total dairy, dairy with fat, and milk with Hcy. Conclusions: Protective associations of dairy with specific CM markers vary by type of dairy and fat content. Associations were independent of overall dietary pattern and other risk factors for CM disease.

Perceived intrinsic, social, and environmental barriers for weight management in older Hispanic/Latino adults withobesity.

The burden of obesity and chronic disease is increasing in the older US Hispanic/Latino adult population. There is limited evidence on successful weight management strategies as perceived by this population. Assessing barriers and opportunities for weight management using mixed methods is a robust approach to collect in-depth information that can be applied to the development of well-tailored weight management interventions for this population. The objective of this study was to assess perceived individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors that influence weight management in older Hispanic/Latino adults. This community-based cross-sectional study included 23 Hispanic/Latino older (>50y) adults with obesity (BMI >30kg/m2). Perceived barriers and opportunities for weight management were assessed through validated questionnaires and focus groups. Prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03978416) on 7 June 2019. In this demographically heterogeneous population, language acculturation was generally low, and the frequency of poor dietary behaviors was high. Participants linked financial strain to lower diet quality, as well as anxiety to uncontrolled eating and food cravings. Social support and trust in healthcare professionals were perceived as priorities for healthy eating. Structural and environmental barriers such as affordability and availability of culturally preferred foods were also identified as influences on food choices and eating behavior. This study revealed opportunities for culturally tailored weight management interventions in older Hispanic/Latino adults with obesity. NCT03978416 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Language Proficiency and Academic Success of Bilingual Hispanic Nursing Students along the US-Mexico Border

Background: The Texas Department of State Health Services reported an enrollment of 29.7% Hispanic heritage students in nursing schools in 2020. Hispanics comprise of 18.5% of the total US population. Hispanic communities are less likely to speak proficient English than non-Hispanic Whites due to lack of language concordance. A diverse nursing workforce is necessary to accommodate the changing community. English as an additional language is frequently identified as a barrier to a nursing degree. This study examined how English proficiency affects nursing academic success of non-BSN and BSN nursing students. Methodology: Non-experimental descriptive quantitative research with two open-ended questions were employed. Students from 27 non-BSN and BSN programs along the U.S.-Mexico border were surveyed. Participants (N = 158) self-reported Grade Point Average (GPAs) on a 4.0 scale and completed two language proficiency instruments, the Language Experience and Proficiency Questionnaire (LEAP-Q) and the English Language Acculturation Scale (ELAS). Participants responded to questions related to strategies that were either beneficial or barriers to their learning and success. Results: Regression of GPA on predictors of English proficiency yielded non-significant models. Convergent validity between the two language proficiency instruments was supported, and reliability was similarly high. MANOVA analysis revealed students on a BSN versus non-BSN program hold higher GPAs. Non-BSN students showed higher Spanish language proficiency than those on a BSN program. Seven themes emerged from the question data, three themes showed that English as an Additional Language (EAL) benefits students (support, communication, and academic resources) and four were barriers to learning (finances, time management, language, and self-perception). Conclusion: A diverse bilingual nursing workforce is essential to meet the future needs of the US. Even though language proficiency did not predict academic success, students enrolled in non-BSN and BSN students who utilized both languages were academically successful.

What factors predict perceived nativelikeness in long-term L2 users?

This study investigated what psychological and social factors predict ‘perceived nativelikeness’ in late second language (L2) learners of French (L1 Swedish) ( N = 62) with a minimum length of residence (LOR) of 5 years in France. The included factors were: language aptitude (LLAMA), acculturation (VIA), personality (MPQ), target language engagement and social networks (number of relations in L2). LOR and Length of French studies were also included as extraneous variables. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that positive effects were found for LLAMA D (sound recognition), acculturation (VIA France and VIA Sweden), number of relations in L2 and LOR. A negative effect was found for the personality variable Social initiative. The strongest effects were found for LLAMA D, Social initiative and LOR. All variables together explained 25% (adjusted R²) of the variance in the sample, which represents medium-sized effects in relation to other studies on individual factors. In sum, these findings confirm results from earlier studies on the importance of language aptitude and acculturation in late L2 acquisition. They also add evidence of the importance of personality, social networks, and LOR. On a more general note psychological and social factors combine to explain different outcomes in adult L2 acquisition, although the effects of psychological variables are deemed somewhat stronger.

YOUTUBE AND SECOND LIFE FOR INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE LEARNING: AWARENESS AND USAGE IN TERTIARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Purpose: This paper examined awareness and usage of YouTube and Second Life in indigenous language learning in tertiary education in Nigeria.
 Methodology: The study anchored on socio-cultural constructivism and adopted the survey research design. The population of the study was two-fold. The first component comprised of 52 Nigeria Certificate in Education students from five Federal Colleges of Education, who registered for the language acculturation programme at the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) in 2018. The second part of the population included ten lecturers of Nigerian languages in NINLAN. Since the study was focused on learning, and the population of students was manageable, the census sampling technique was applied. Thus, all 52 students were involved in the survey. Based on a representation of the three major Nigerian languages, the purposive sampling technique aided the selection of three lecturers: one each for Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Out of which, two lecturers were available at the time of the study. Quantitative data were collated from the students via a self-administered questionnaire, while the interview method was used to elicit qualitative data from the lecturers. Quantitative data were analysed using simple percentages, Chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test.
 Findings: Findings showed a significant awareness of YouTube, but its usage for indigenous language learning was insignificant. Compared to YouTube, the awareness of Second Life was lower and it was not used for indigenous language learning.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that tertiary education; particularly language teacher education should incorporate Web 2.0 channels such as YouTube and Second Life into traditional classroom pedagogy to bridge resource gaps in indigenous language learning.

Is Acculturation Associated with the Cognitive Performance of Older Hispanics?

Hispanics in the United States are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Little is known about the impact of acculturation on cognitive performance. This study examined the association between acculturation and cognitive performance among older Hispanics. We analyzed cross-sectional data of 616 Hispanic participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 [average age = 67.15 years, %Female = 51.46, %less than high-school graduate = 52.60]. Cognitive performance was measured by two neuropsychological tests: Animal Fluency Test (AFT) and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). We used two single-item proxy measures to quantify acculturation: nativity status (non-US-born residing < 15 years in the US (low acculturation), non-US-born residing ≥15 years in the US, and US-born (high acculturation)); and language acculturation (only/mostly Spanish (low acculturation), Spanish and English, only/mostly English (high acculturation)). We used adjusted linear regression to evaluate associations between acculturation and cognitive performance. Results indicated poorer cognitive performance among the low-acculturated groups for both nativity and linguistic measures. Participants who were non-US-born living ≥15 years (p = 0.02) and speaking only/mostly Spanish or Spanish and English (p = 0.01 and 0.006 respectively) had significantly lower AFT scores compared to US-born and only/mostly English-speaking groups. Participants who were non-US-born living < 15 years (p < 0.0001) or non-US-born living ≥15 years (p < 0.0001) and speaking only/mostly Spanish (p = 0.0008) scored lower on the DSST than the US-born and only/mostly English-speaking participants. In summary, low acculturation is associated with poorer cognitive performance among older Hispanics. Acculturation might be an important attribute to help understand cognitive decline and dementias among Hispanics.

Hispanic Acculturation: Associations with Family Planning Behaviors and Attitudes.

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association of Hispanic acculturation in the U.S. with family planning behaviors and attitudes.MethodsSurveys of 225 Hispanic women were collected that used acculturation measures of number of years lived in the U.S. and the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH), along with questions about family planning behaviors, including birth control use, sterilization, and abortion.ResultsSASH-Language statistically differed (p = 0.03) where those with ‘yes birth control’ had significantly lower English acculturation (M = 6.10, SD = 1.77) than those with ‘no birth control’ (M = 7.00, SD = 3.16). Greater U.S. acculturation on SASH-Ethnic Social Relations was associated positively with the attitude that finances are important when considering to have children (r = 0.18, p < 0.05). Number of years lived in the U.S. was associated positively with the attitude that it is a woman’s personal choice to have an elective termination of pregnancy (r = 0.19, p < 0.01).ConclusionsHealthcare providers should consider patient acculturation level when discussing family planning topics. It is possible that a more detailed explanation concerning the reasons for family planning is necessary when discussing family planning topics with Hispanic patients who exhibit higher levels of English language acculturation.