Lower Levels Of Acculturation Research Articles

Filial Piety Discrepancy and Wellbeing among Older Chinese Immigrants Living in Canada: The Role of Acculturation and Living Arrangement

This survey-based, cross-sectional study explored the independent and synergistic effect of filial piety discrepancy (FPD), acculturation, and living arrangement on the psychological, social, and physical wellbeing of older Chinese immigrants living in Canada. A total of 299 older Chinese immigrants were recruited from community organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed demographic information, filial piety, living arrangement, acculturation, and three domains of wellbeing. Greater FPD was associated with lower self-reported psychological, social, and physical wellbeing. Co-residence with adult children was also associated with greater psychological wellbeing. Although living arrangement did not moderate the association between FPD and wellbeing, a significant interaction between FPD and acculturation indicated that the association between greater FPD and poorer psychological wellbeing was strongest for those with lower acculturation levels. This study confirms previous associations found between FPD and psychological wellbeing, and further extends this association to social and physical indices of wellbeing. Study findings further highlight the importance of acculturation in the relationship between FPD and wellbeing among older Chinese immigrants.

Immigration-Related Factors and Depression Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Older Chinese Americans

ABSTRACT Objectives Asian Americans have the lowest mental health service utilization rate among all racial/ethnic groups. This study investigates how immigration-related factors shape the depression help-seeking behaviors of older Chinese Americans. Methods Data were collected from participants who reported experiencing any depressive symptoms in the Population-based Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (n = 907). Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to examine the associations between immigration-related factors and help-seeking behaviors, including not seeking help (23.5%), seeking help from informal source(s) only (40%), seeking help from both informal and formal sources (28.7%), and seeking help from formal source(s) only (8.8%). Results Older Chinese Americans with lower levels of acculturation (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79–0.97) and those who lived in Chinatown (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.21–4.52) were more likely to seek help from formal sources only (relative to not seeking any help). Conclusions Older Chinese Americans with depressive symptoms predominately relied on informal sources of help, either solely or in combination with formal sources, to address their depressive symptoms. Clinical Implications Leveraging informal support networks and ethnicity-specific resources represents a promising approach for this population.

Acculturation, Depressive Symptoms, and Friendship Instability among Immigrant Adolescents

Recent scholarship suggests that personal tie instability, that is, the dissolution of old ties and the formation of new ties, may lead to psychological distress. However, this association remains understudied among the immigrant population, for whom acculturation may present unique challenges to both personal tie stability and psychological well-being. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we investigate the mental health implications of instability in immigrant adolescents’ same-sex best friends, and how it explains the association between acculturation and depressive symptoms. We find that friendship instability was associated with higher depressive symptoms only among immigrant adolescents with a low level of acculturation. For more acculturated adolescents, replacing their original friendship with an interracial friend predicted lower depressive symptoms. These findings imply that friendship instability constitutes a dimension of acculturative stress, with detrimental effects unique to immigrant adolescents in the early stages of acculturation.

Culturally adapted motivational interviewing's effects on drinking in response to immigration and acculturation stressors among Latinx adults with heavy drinking problems

IntroductionCulturally adapted motivational interviewing (CAMI) is a form of motivational interviewing that was adapted to address immigration- and acculturation-related stressors among Latinx adults who met criteria for hazardous drinking. This study hypothesized that (1) receiving CAMI was associated with reduced immigration/acculturation stress and related drinking and that (2) these associations differed by participants' acculturation and perceived discrimination levels. MethodsThis study employed a single group pre-post study design using data from a randomized controlled trial. Participants were Latinx adults who received CAMI (N = 149). The study assessed immigration/acculturation stress with the Measure of Immigration and Acculturation Stressors (MIAS) and measured related drinking with the Measure of Drinking Related to Immigration and Acculturation Stressors (MDRIAS). The study team conducted linear mixed modeling for repeated measures to examine outcome changes between the baseline and the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups and moderation effects. ResultsCompared to baseline, the study found significant decreases in the total MIAS and MDRIAS scores and subscale scores at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Moderation analysis results showed that lower acculturation levels and higher levels of perceived discrimination were significantly associated with larger decreases at follow-up in total MIAS and MDRIAS scores and several subscale scores. ConclusionsFindings provide preliminary support for CAMI's efficacy in reducing immigration and acculturation stress and related drinking among Latinx adults with heavy drinking problems. The study observed more improvements among the less acculturated and more discriminated participants. Larger studies with more rigorous designs are needed.

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.

Knowledge and Understanding of Radiation Therapy Among Patients With Breast Cancer From Culturally Diverse Backgrounds at a Safety-Net Hospital

Comprehensive understanding of oncologic treatment is essential for shared decision-making. However, comprehension of information in radiation oncology consults is poorly understood, particularly among Spanish-speaking patients at safety-net hospitals. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine post-consultation radiation oncology knowledge and health literacy among breast cancer patients from culturally diverse backgrounds. After consultation for curative breast radiotherapy (cT1-4N1-3M0), the Radiation Oncology Knowledge Assessment Survey (ROKAS) was administered to Spanish- and English-speaking patients ≥ 18 years old, from January 2021 to January 2022 at a safety-net hospital. Radiation knowledge was assessed using the ROKAS which included eight radiation-specific multiple-choice questions and two separate questions regarding short- and long-term side effects. Additional independent variables included validated questionnaires related to health literacy, health numeracy, acculturation, primary language, and sociodemographic factors. Bivariate Pearson correlations and T-test analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the independent variables and post-consultation radiation knowledge. Fifty ROKAS were obtained from 25 English- and 25 Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients (median age 57 [IQR 49.75-62.25]). When compared to English-speaking patients, Spanish-speaking patients had lower health literacy, health numeracy, and acculturation. There was no difference in the multiple-choice ROKAS score between English- and Spanish-speakers, or correlation with the other independent factors. Higher health numeracy correlated with a higher accuracy for identifying short-term side effects. Lower accuracy of identifying long-term side effects was seen in patients with lower education levels, health literacy, health numeracy, and acculturation, with the most missed long-term side effects being arm swelling, skin toxicity, and heart toxicity. Patients with low health literacy, health numeracy, acculturation, and education levels as well as Spanish-speaking patients were associated with poor understanding of radiotherapy long-term side effects. Determining barriers to radiation knowledge is crucial to improve shared decision-making between patients and providers in a culturally diverse population.

Factors Associated With Poor Health Outcomes Among Vietnamese Americans After Hurricane Harvey, Houston, Texas, 2018-2019.

Immigrants typically experience poor health outcomes after disasters but are often excluded in disaster studies. We assessed physical and mental health outcomes among Houston-area Vietnamese American residents after Hurricane Harvey and hurricane-related characteristics associated with poor health outcomes. We conducted in-person structured surveys among 120 Vietnamese Americans from November 2018 through February 2019. We used the physical and mental component scores of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey to assess health outcomes. We used descriptive statistics for health outcomes and hurricane-related effects and examined the associations between hurricane-related characteristics and health outcomes. Overall mean (95% CI) physical and mental component scores were 39.8 (29.7-49.9) and 32.6 (27.6-37.6), respectively. The odds of poor physical health poststorm were significantly higher among participants reporting ≥5 versus <5 depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 3.04; 95% CI, 1.11-8.29; P = .03) and significantly lower among participants with versus without health insurance (OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.71; P = .01). The odds of experiencing poor mental health more than a year after the hurricane were significantly higher among those sustaining versus not sustaining a serious injury/illness because of the hurricane (OR = 3.34; 95% CI, 1.12-9.94; P = .03) and among those who were married/partnered versus not married/partnered (OR = 4.16; 95% CI, 1.32-13.07; P = .02). Receiving versus not receiving free health care services after the hurricane and having high versus low levels of acculturation protected against poor mental health (P < .05 for both). Our findings highlight the inequalities of postdisaster health outcomes in this immigrant population and emphasize the need for improved disaster recovery programs that account for these factors.

Genetic Testing in the Latinx community: Impact of acculturation and provider relationships

ObjectivesThe current study aimed to explore attitudes toward genetic germline testing and intentions to test in Latinas from Southern California. We hypothesized that patients' acculturation and education levels, as well as comfort with health care providers, are positively associated with attitudes and intentions toward genetic testing. MethodsA survey was offered concurrently to Latinx female patients at a gynecologic oncology practice and to unaffiliated Latinx community members. The survey assessed demographics, structural, psychosocial, and acculturation factors and genetic testing attitudes and intentions via validated scales. ResultsOf 148 surveys collected, 66% of responders had low levels of acculturation. 50% of women had government-subsidized insurance; 22% had no schooling in the US. 67% of participants did not carry a diagnosis of cancer.Women with higher acculturation levels were more likely to consider genetic testing (rs = 0.54, p = .001). Higher acculturated women and less acculturated women under 50 were more likely to consider testing if it had been recommended by a female, trusted, or Hispanic/Latinx provider (rs = 0.22, p = .01, rs = 0.27, p = .003 and rs = 0.19, p = .003, respectively) or if there was a recent cancer diagnosis (self or family, rs = 0.19, p = .03). Overall, education correlated with intention to test. The more education outside of the US, the less negative was the attitude toward being tested (rs = −0.41, p = .002). ConclusionsDirect experiences with cancer, more schooling and higher acculturation coupled with provider characteristics determined if Latinas were more open to testing. Provider characteristics mattered: having a female, Latinx, Spanish speaking provider was important for genetic testing decision-making. These findings are particularly pertinent in areas with high Latinx populations.

Immigration Experience and Cognitive Function Trajectories Among Older Chinese Immigrants.

Although a number of studies have documented cognitive health among older immigrants in the United States, little is known about how the life-course immigration experiences are associated with cognitive trajectories among older Chinese immigrants. We assess patterns of cognitive functioning and change over time and examine whether age at migration, reasons for migration, acculturation, perceived discrimination, and preferred dialects are related to cognitive trajectories. The sample comprised 2,075 participants from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE), who completed a battery of cognitive tests at four time points (2011-2019). Latent class growth analysis and multinomial logistic regression were utilized. Three latent classes of cognitive trajectories were identified: the low functioning with the fastest decline (LCF, 12%), the moderate functioning with a medium decline rate (MCF, 39%), and the high functioning with the slowest decline (HCF, 48%). Perceiving more discrimination reduced, whereas speaking Taishanese increased the odds of being in the LCF and MCF. High acculturation only distinguished MCF from HCF after controlling for the known factors of cognitive health such as age, education, and social engagement. This study identifies a group of older Chinese immigrants who are especially vulnerable to cognitive impairment and indicates that the risk of cognitive decline appears to be elevated with lower levels of acculturation and unidentified racial discrimination. More research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms that link the life-course immigration experiences to cognitive health outcomes in later life.

Exploring the role of acculturation in promoting genetic testing in the Latinx community (417)

<b>Objectives:</b> Rates of genetic testing in Latinx women have historically been low. To understand the reason, we evaluated factors contributing to Hispanic/Latinx women's decision to seek out and undergo germline genetic testing. We assessed whether acculturation levels in community members and current patients of a comprehensive cancer center (CCC) gynecologic oncology practice were associated with attitudes toward genetic testing. We hypothesized that mental health, acculturation, and comfort with providers would influence decisions leading to genetic testing in both groups of women. <b>Methods:</b> From February 2020 to September 2020, a survey was offered concurrently to Latinx female patients at a CCC gynecologic oncology practice and members of a Latinx community group unaffiliated with a cancer care center. The survey focused on demographic, financial, psychosocial, and acculturation factors. Validated scales were utilized, including the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and the BASH acculturation scale. <b>Results:</b> Of the 148 surveys collected, half were collected in the clinic and half in community settings; 42% were completed in Spanish and 58% in English. Most participants (54%) were of reproductive age (<50 years old), 22% attended no school in the US, 50% had some college/ vocational education, 16.5% had a BA or more in the US, and 66% had low levels of acculturation. Moreover, 29% of the women were unemployed or did not earn an income, 10% were uninsured, 50% had government-subsidized insurance, and 40% had private insurance. Most (68%) did not carry a diagnosis of cancer. Women with higher acculturation had the higher testing intention (r_s=.54, <i>p</i>=0.001). Older women were more likely to have a cancer diagnosis but less likely to get genetic testing; however, those who had exposure to a cancer diagnosis (self and close to them) were more likely to get tested if they had lower acculturation (r_s=37, <i>p</i>=0.03). There was no correlation between mental health (depression or anxiety) and genetic testing in the overall group. However, women above reproductive age with higher anxiety had higher testing intentions (r_s=.21, <i>p</i>=0.048). Women under 50 with lower acculturation were more likely to have genetic testing intentions if they had a female physician (<i>p</i>=0.02), a Hispanic/Latinx physician (<i>p</i><0.001), or a Spanish-speaking physician (<i>p</i><0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Age and acculturation determined if participants were more open to testing, with patterns complicated by exposure to cancer. But for those with lower acculturation, the person to share this information with them mattered (female, Latino, Spanish speaking). Given this sensitive subject, it was important that the women felt comfortable talking/connecting to their providers and trusting the information given. Diversifying the physician pool to reflect the patient population could potentially improve genetic testing rates in the Latinx population. This is especially important in areas with high Latinx populations and high immigration.

Qualitative Exploration of Family Influences on Physical Activity in Hispanic Families.

Limited information exists on how the family unit aids or impedes physical activity (PA) engagement within Hispanic populations. This qualitative study explored family-level influences on PA in dyads of adult Hispanic family members (eg,parent-adult child, siblings, spouses). In-person interviews and brief surveys were conducted together with 20 dyads lasting 1.5hours each. Two researchers coded and analyzed text using thematic analysis in NVivo (version 11.0). They resolved discrepancies through consensus and used matrix coding analysis to examine themes by participants' demographics. The participants were mainly women (70%), from Mexico (61.5%), and they reported low levels of acculturation (87.5%). Themed facilitators for PA included "verbal encouragement," "help with responsibilities," "exercising with someone," and "exercising to appease children." Themed challenges included "lack of support," "challenges posed by children," "sedentary behaviors," and "competing responsibilities." Women more so than men described family-level challenges and facilitators, and dyads where both study partners were physically active provided more positive partner interaction descriptions for PA support than other dyads. This study suggests that leveraging family support may be an important approach to promote and sustain PA, and that family-focused interventions should integrate communication-building strategies to facilitate family members' ability to solicit support from each other.

Acculturation moderates cognitive performance in adults at risk of autosomal dominant Alzheimer's Disease

Loneliness is significantly associated with health and well-being among oldest-old adults. Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19, physical and social distancing policies might elevate loneliness among the oldest-old population. This study examined the trends and changes in the prevalence of feeling lonely using the 2020 HRS COVID-19 module merged to the 15 waves of the HRS RAND longitudinal datasets from 1992 to 2018. A total of 14,371 respondents, including 614 respondents aged 80 years and older were included. Generalized linear models compared age group differences within the 2020 module. Generalized estimating equations assessed the longitudinal change at the individual level and the trend of feeling loneliness among oldest-old adults from 1992 to 2020. Loneliness was assessed with one item of the CES-D scale (i.e., during the past week, felt lonely). After adjusting for demographic characteristics and health, the results showed that oldest-old adults were more likely to feel lonely compared to younger age groups (18% for 80’s vs. 14% for 50’s) during the early months of the pandemic. A longitudinal trajectory also showed that they feel lonelier than in prior years (19% in 2020 vs. 14% in 2018). However, compared to same-age groups from earlier years, a significantly lower prevalence of feeling lonely was observed (18% in 2020 vs. 27% in 1994). The results show that the outbreak of the COVID-19 may elevate feeling lonely, but the recent cohorts be less lonely than earlier cohorts. Future research should continue to explore protective factors for loneliness among oldest-old adults.

Acculturation moderates cognitive performance in adults at risk of autosomal dominant Alzheimer's Disease.

Acculturative processes via persistent exposure to a set of cultural practices and behaviors can influence cognitive functioning (Park & Huang, 2010). The impact of acculturation on populations at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, remains understudied. Persons with or at-risk for early-onset autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) offer a known AD pathogenesis and the opportunity to study whether acculturation moderates their cognitive performance. The present study used a latent variable model to test whether effects of latent cognitive ability on observable cognitive performance depend on acculturation. Participants included 119 adults with or at-risk for ADAD, the majority of whom were of Mexican origin with various levels of U.S. acculturation. Participants completed the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) and the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II (ARSMA-II). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to estimate a latent general cognitive ability factor from nine domains (e.g., attention, abstraction and judgment). The ARSMA-II was used to test whether factor loadings depended on level of acculturation, covarying for mutation status. Results revealed ARSMA-II scores nearly significantly moderated the effects of general cognitive ability on abstraction and judgment (λ = 0.20, SE = 0.11, p = .070). Individual differences in general cognitive ability at lower levels of acculturation likely predict lower abstraction and judgment performance. Cognitive assessments may not equally represent true cognitive ability in Mexican-Americans. Although the CASI was developed as a cross-cultural measure of cognitive functioning, caution should be exercised in inferring true cognitive functioning in Mexican-Americans who may not be acculturated to the U.S.

Acculturation strategies and their impact on the mental health of migrant populations

Abstract Objectives This systematic review examined the correlation between the different types of migrant acculturation strategies according to Berry's model of acculturation (integration, assimilation, separation, marginalisation) and their effects on mental health. Methods Three databases (PubMed, Ovid and Ebsco) were searched using different combinations of terms to identify relevant articles. Search terms included relevant synonyms for “migrants”, “mental health” and “integration”. The list of article titles from these searches were filtered using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Common mental health conditions including suicide/self-harm, depressive disorders, psychosis, as well as substance misuse were analysed. Results 21 primary studies were examined, which assessed 61,885 migrants in total. Of these, 7 were cohort studies and 14 were cross-sectional studies. Most studies showed that marginalisation was associated with worse depression symptoms, compared to integration, assimilation and separation, while integration was associated with the least depressive symptoms. Marginalisation triples the likelihood of anxiety-related symptoms compared to integration. Similarly, separation increased the likelihood of anxiety-related symptoms nearly six-fold. Our study has also identified 16 factors that negatively impact level of migrant acculturation, 19 factors that adversely impact general mental health of migrants, and 22 factors that increases risks of depressive symptoms in migrants. Conclusions Our review found out that marginalisation had the worst effects on migrant mental health while integration had the most positive effects. The study also established multiple factors associated with low levels of acculturation and poor mental health in migrants. Given the problem of limited public resources, governments can identify at-risk individuals using factors highlighted and channel these scarce resources to develop targeted mental health interventions for them. Key messages Our review found out that marginalisation had the worst effects on migrant mental health while integration had the most positive effects. The study identified factors associated with low levels of acculturation and poor mental health in migrants. Governments can develop targeted mental health interventions for these at-risk individuals.

Land use mix and leukocyte telomere length in Mexican Americans

It has been well-known that built environment features influence the risk of chronic diseases. However, the existing data of its relationship with telomere length, a biomarker of biological aging, is still limited, with no study available for Mexican Americans. This study investigates the relationship between several factors of the built environment with leukocyte telomere length among 5508 Mexican American adults enrolled in Mano-A-Mano, the Mexican American Cohort Study (MACS). Based on the quartile levels of telomere length, the study population was categorized into four groups, from the lowest (1st quartile) to the highest telomere length group (4th quartile). For individual built environment factors, their levels did not differ significantly across four groups. However, in the multinominal logistic regression analysis, increased Rundle’s land use mixture (LUM) and Frank’s LUM were found statistically significantly associated with increased odds of having high levels of telomere length (Rundle’s LUM: 2nd quartile: Odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 1.07, 1.48; 3rd quartile: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06, 1.46; 4th quartile: OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01, 1.41; Frank’s LUM: 2nd quartile: OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02, 2.63; 3rd quartile: OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.04, 2.91; 4th quartile: OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.05, 2.72, respectively). The associations for Rundle’s LUM remained significant after further adjusting other non-redundant built environment factors. Finally, in stratified analysis, we found the association between Rundle’s LUM and telomere length was more evident among younger individuals (< 38 years old), women, and those with obesity, born in Mexico, having low levels of physical activity, and having low levels of acculturation than their relative counterparts. In summary, our results indicate that land use mixture may impact telomere length in leukocytes in Mexican Americans.

Acculturation Mitigates the Negative Impact of Perceived Stress on Depressive Symptoms Among U.S. Chinese Older Adults.

The present study aimed to examine the role of acculturation in mitigating the negative impact of perceived stress on depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults. Data of 3,159 Chinese adults over 60 years old were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). In addition to socio-demographic variables, participants' acculturation levels, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Perceived stress was positively related to depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. However, no significant association was found between acculturation level and depressive symptoms. Regression analysis supported the moderation hypothesis of acculturation level on the relationship between perceived stress on depressive symptoms. The negative impact of perceived stress on depressive symptoms was mitigated for Chinese older adults who had higher levels of acculturation than for those who had lower levels of acculturation. The findings have implications in minority aging and mental health policies during the on-going pandemic era.

Sources of information about gestational weight gain, diet and exercise among Brazilian immigrant women living in the USA: a cross-sectional study.

The objective of this study was to assess sources of information about gestational weight gain (GWG), diet and exercise among first-time pregnant Brazilian women in the USA. Cross-sectional survey. Massachusetts, USA. First-time pregnant Brazilian women. Eighty-six women, the majority of whom were immigrants (96·5 %) classified as having low acculturation levels (68 %), participated in the study. Approximately two-thirds of respondents had sought information about GWG (72·1 %), diet (79·1 %) and exercise (74·4 %) via the internet. Women classified as having low acculturation levels were more likely to seek information about GWG via the internet (OR = 7·55; 95 % CI 1·41, 40·26) than those with high acculturation levels after adjusting for age and receiving information about GWG from healthcare provider (doctor or midwife). Moreover, many respondents reported seeking information about GWG (67 %), diet (71 %) and exercise (52 %) from family and friends. Women who self-identified as being overweight pre-pregnancy were less likely to seek information about diet (OR = 0·32; 95 % CI 0·11, 0·93) and exercise (OR = 0·33; 95 % CI 0·11, 0·96) from family and friends than those who self-identified being normal-weight pre-pregnancy. This is the first study to assess sources of information about GWG, diet and exercise among pregnant Brazilian immigrants in the USA. Findings have implications for the design of interventions and suggest the potential of mHealth intervention as low-cost, easy access option for delivering culturally and linguistically tailored evidence-based information about GWG incorporating behavioural change practices to this growing immigrant group.

Private and social religious coping on life satisfaction: examining cultural factors among Latinxs

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the direct effects of private and social religious coping on perceived life satisfaction. The secondary aim was to investigate whether cultural factors (i.e., enculturation, acculturation, biculturalism) moderate this relationship. A total of 100 Latinx individuals (78% immigrants) completed measures on religious coping, life satisfaction, acculturation, enculturation, and biculturalism. There was a positive direct relationship between both private and social religious coping and life satisfaction. While acculturation, enculturation, and biculturalism did not moderate the relationship between social religious coping and life satisfaction, acculturation, and biculturalism both moderated the relationship between private religious coping and life satisfaction. Specifically, the relationship was strongest when Latinx individuals reported lower levels of acculturation or biculturalism. Clinical and research implications will be discussed for individuals working closely with the Latinx communities.

Prevalence of Psychological Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Chinese American Patients with Chronic Cancer Pain.

Cancer is common among older Chinese American immigrants. Psychological distress may be associated with cancer pain, yet prior studies have not examined this relationship. We conducted a secondary analysis of 514 Chinese Americans with cancer-related pain. Patients completed validated questionnaires, including the Chinese Health Questionnaire-12 (CHQ-12). Analyses evaluated associations among sociodemographics, acculturation, psychological distress, and pain variables. Most patients had low acculturation and socioeconomic levels. Overall, 51.9% of patients reported moderate-severe psychological distress, 35.8% reported worst pain intensity ≥7/10 over the previous week and 41.2% had high pain-related distress. Higher CHQ-12 scores were associated with younger age (β = -0.13); lower educational level (β = -0.12); birthplace in China (β = -0.18); lack of a caregiver (β = -0.10); higher worst pain intensity (β = 0.15); and higher pain-related distress (β = 0.28; all p < 0.05; R2= 0.23). Chinese American cancer patients with chronic pain experience high psychological distress, which is associated with pain characteristics and other social factors.

Perceived discrimination, psychosocial resources, and mental distress in Vietnamese Americans

This study examines how the mental health of Vietnamese Americans is influenced by a life stressor (perceived discrimination) and psychosocial resources (social network, religiosity, and acculturation). Data came from 513 Vietnamese Americans who were subsample of the Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) survey (total N = 2,614). The AAQoL survey was conducted with self-identified Asian Americans aged 18 or older in Central Texas in 2015. More than 32% of the Vietnamese sample reported perceived discrimination. A higher level of mental distress was associated with younger age, unmarried status, unmet financial status, poorer ratings of health, fewer years of stay in the U.S., perceived discrimination, smaller social network, and lower levels of acculturation and religiosity. In a multivariate analysis, the experience of discrimination (β = 0.16, p < .01), smaller social network (β = −.10, p < .05), and lower acculturation (β = −.17, p < .05) were found to be significant predictors to mental distress. No significant interaction was found. These identified risks and resources should be addressed in developing and implementing culturally sensitive mental health interventions targeted to Vietnamese American communities.