Relationship Of Acculturation Research Articles

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.

The Relationship of Acculturation and Bullying in Russian Schools

Russian schools have been characterized by its ethnic diversity over the past decade. Children from ethnic minorities in Russia face problems in acculturation, including school bullying. The purpose of this article is to determine the relationship between the acculturation strategies of ethnic minority students, acculturation expectations of Russian students, and their roles in school bullying situations. We conducted a social psychological survey among a sample of 429 students, 200 of whom were Russian (M age = 16.18, SD age = 1.43) and 229 were members of ethnic minorities (M age = 15.67, SD age = 1.65). It was used scales from the MIRIPS and the Revised Olweus Bully Victim Questionnaire (Russian version). The results of the study showed significant differences in the level of victimization. It was also found that acculturation expectation of segregation was positively related to victimization (β = 0.24, p-value <0.01), and aggression (β = 0.18, p-value < 0.01) among Russian students, whereas acculturation strategy of segregation was positively related to victimization (β = 0. 40, p-value < 0.01), assimilation strategy positively (β = 0.07, p-value < 0.01), and integration strategy negatively (β = –0.05, p-value < 0.05) related to aggression among ethnic minorities. The results of the study are discussed in terms of a sociocultural approach using psychological theories and research.

Enculturation and acculturation's relationship to suicidal ideation in Hispanic/Latinx individuals with psychotic spectrum disorders

Suicide is a leading cause of premature death in people with schizophrenia (Inoue et al., 2020). Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) individuals, the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S., face potential hurdles (e.g., discrimination, language barriers) when trying to receive care for psychotic spectrum disorders, which may increase their risk for suicidal ideation. Drawing from prior literature, we tested the hypotheses that greater acculturation and lower enculturation would be associated with increased suicidal ideation in a sample of 45 H/L individuals with psychotic spectrum disorders using a linear regression analysis controlling for gender and education. As hypothesized, greater acculturation and lower enculturation were associated with greater suicidal ideation. In line with prior research, results of this study suggest that maintaining beliefs and traditions from one's home culture may be beneficial to H/Ls with psychotic spectrum disorders and may reduce suicidal ideation whereas there may be detrimental aspects of mainstream United States culture on one's desire to live. Thus, encouraging H/L patients with psychotic spectrum disorders to maintain a sense of ethnic pride and stay engaged with practices and values from their culture of origin may help reduce suicidal ideation in this vulnerable population.

Mediation of the Relationship of Acculturation With Glycemic Control in Asian Americans With Diabetes.

To assess the role of physical activity and healthcare access in mediating the association of acculturation with cardiometabolic health in Asian American adults with diabetes. Cross-sectional study. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. Non-pregnant Asian American adults with doctor diagnosed diabetes. Participants were classified into low, moderate, and high acculturation status. Self-reported leisure-time, work, and transportation-based physical activity were summed for overall physical activity. Health insurance, frequency of healthcare receipt, and glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) check in the past year indicated healthcare access. Cardiometabolic health indicators included HbA1c, total and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Linear and logistic regression estimates, standardized using y-standardization, and assessed mediation of acculturation with cardiometabolic health. Low acculturation was significantly related to greater leisure-time inactivity odds [OR (95% CI) = 2.25 (1.05, 4.82)], overall insufficient activity [OR (95% CI) = 2.30 (1.12, 4.74)], and uninsured status [OR (95% CI) = 5.62 (1.55, 20.41)]. Asian Americans with low acculturation had significantly higher log HbA1c than those with high acculturation (β ± SE = .078 ± .038); however, this association was not significant after adjusting for leisure-time activity. Leisure-time activity mediated 48.9% of acculturation and HbA1c association, and the indirect effect was statistically significant [estimate (95% CI) = .021 (.002, 0.047)]. Results suggest that promoting sufficient leisure-time activity could improve glycemic control in least acculturated Asian Americans with diabetes.

The Relationship of Acculturation, Traumatic Events and Depression in Female Refugees.

Recent research has identified significant correlations between traumatic events and depression in refugees. However, few studies have addressed the role of acculturation strategies in this relationship. This study explored the relationship between cultural orientation, traumatic events and depression in female refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, and Somalia living in Germany. We expected acculturation strategies to moderate the effect of traumatic experiences on depression. The sample included 98 female refugees in Germany. The depression scale of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) represented the dependent measure. The trauma checklists derived from the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) as well as the Frankfurt Acculturation Scale (FRACC) were used as independent measures for traumatic events and orientation toward the host culture as well as orientation toward the culture of origin, respectively. A moderation analysis was conducted to examine whether the relationship between the number of traumatic events and depression was influenced by the women’s orientation toward the culture of origin and the host culture. We identified a significant model explaining 26.85% of the variance in depressive symptoms (Cohen’s f2 = 0.37). The number of traumatic events and the orientation toward the host culture exerted significant effects on depressive symptoms. The moderating effect was not significant, indicating that the effect of the number of traumatic events was not influenced by cultural orientation. Based on our results, orientation toward the host culture as well as traumatic experiences exert independent effects on depressive symptoms in refugees.

The Role of Acculturation and Alcohol Problems on Frequency of Cannabis Use Among Latinas at Risk of an Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy

Background: Along with alcohol, cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances among women of childbearing age. Recent studies indicate detrimental effects of prenatal cannabis use. Because many women use these substances before realizing they are pregnant, these serious health consequences for women and their offspring are of great concern. Despite the recent upsurge in cannabis use, little is known about individual and sociocultural factors that may contribute to risk of a cannabis-exposed pregnancy, particularly among Latinas of child-bearing age also at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP). Objectives: Examine the relationships of acculturation, alcohol use, alcohol problems, and psychological distress with frequency of cannabis use among adult Latinas at risk of an AEP. Methods: The hypothesized model included 76 Latinas and was analyzed using path analysis. The study used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of an intervention targeting risky drinking and tobacco use among women at risk of an AEP in primary care clinics. Results: Greater acculturation was associated with more frequent cannabis use and greater psychological distress. There was a positive indirect relationship between acculturation and alcohol use and alcohol problems through psychological distress. Greater alcohol problems were associated with more frequent cannabis use. Greater psychological distress and alcohol use were indirectly related to more frequent cannabis use through alcohol problems. Conclusions: Findings underscore the critical role of acculturation and alcohol-related problems in cannabis use frequency and have relevant implications for preventive efforts addressing cannabis use among Latinas at risk of an AEP.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01032772.

Dating Violence Attitudes Among Latino College Students: An Examination of Gender, Machismo, and Marianismo

This study sought to fill a gap in the literature by exploring the association of gender, machismo and marianismo, and acculturation to dating violence (DV) attitudes among a sample of Latino college students. A total of 305 students were recruited from a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located on the United States–Mexico border. Results showed significant differences in all forms of DV attitudes across gender. Separate regression models for men and women showed a pattern of endorsing the traditional gender role of machismo was predictive of tolerant DV attitudes for men and women. The marianismo dimension of chastity and virtuosity was associated to a decrease in tolerant DV attitudes among men. In addition, acculturation's relationship to DV attitudes and gender role ideology was not significant. Overall, the findings highlight the need for DV programs to address culturally-based understandings of gender roles and their association to DV attitudes.

Dating Violence Attitudes Among Latino College Students: An Examination of Gender, Machismo, and Marianismo.

This study sought to fill a gap in the literature by exploring the association of gender, machismo and marianismo, and acculturation to dating violence (DV) attitudes among a sample of Latino college students. A total of 305 students were recruited from a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located on the United States-Mexico border. Results showed significant differences in all forms of DV attitudes across gender. Separate regression models for men and women showed a pattern of endorsing the traditional gender role of machismo was predictive of tolerant DV attitudes for men and women. The marianismo dimension of chastity and virtuosity was associated to a decrease in tolerant DV attitudes among men. In addition, acculturation's relationship to DV attitudes and gender role ideology was not significant. Overall, the findings highlight the need for DV programs to address culturally-based understandings of gender roles and their association to DV attitudes.

The Relationship between Acculturation and Experimental Pain Sensitivity in Asian Americans with Knee Osteoarthritis

Multiple studies in healthy populations and clinical samples have shown that ethnic minorities have greater pain sensitivity than their majority counterparts. Acculturation is speculated to be one of the sociocultural factors contributing to pain sensitivity since cultural beliefs and practices can influence the way patients perceive and respond to pain. However, the relationship of acculturation to pain sensitivity in minority populations remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between acculturation and experimental pain sensitivity in 50 Asian Americans residing in North Central Florida with knee osteoarthritis pain. The Suinn-Lew Asian Self Identity Acculturation Scale was used to assess acculturation, and multimodal quantitative sensory testing was performed to measure experimental sensitivity, including heat pain tolerance, pressure pain threshold, and punctate mechanical pain. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed. Participants' mean age was 55.7 years, and about half of this sample were Korean American (56%). The participants had lived in the United States for 21 years on average. Regression analyses indicated that lower acculturation to American culture may contribute to greater experimental pain sensitivity. Asian Americans who were more acculturated to the American culture had higher heat pain tolerance (beta = 0.61, P=0.01), higher pressure pain threshold (beta = 0.59, P=0.02), and lower ratings of punctate mechanical pain (beta = −0.70, P < 0.01). These findings add to the literature regarding sociocultural factors associated with pain in Asian Americans; additional research with a larger and more diverse sample of Asian Americans is warranted for cross-validation.

The Relationship of Acculturation to Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among U.S. South Asians—Findings from the MASALA Study

Background: Immigration and the process of acculturation can lead to behavioral changes that exacerbate or reduce diabetes development. We investigated the association between acculturation strategies and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors among South Asian (SA) immigrants living in the U.S. Methods: Participants (n=849) in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in SA Living in America (MASALA) study were categorized into 3 acculturation strategy classes based on self-reported questionnaire responses: separation (preference for SA culture), assimilation (preference for U.S. culture), and integration (similar preference for SA and U.S. cultures). Adjusted linear regression models examined associations of acculturation strategies with fasting and 2 hour glucose, lipids, blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), and body composition. Results: Overall, 22.4, 19.6, and 58% of men and 23.7, 26.2, and 50.1% of women were in separation, assimilation, and integration classes; respectively. Participants in the assimilation class had significantly lower levels of obesity, 2 hour glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides (TG), visceral fat, and higher HDL than those in the separation class (all p&amp;lt;0.05). In sex-stratified analyses, after adjusting for education, income, other socioeconomic variables, physical activity, caloric intake, depression, smoking, and alcohol intake, women in the assimilation class continued to have significantly lower TG and higher HDL levels compared to women in the separation class [β (95% CI): -23.7 (-41.9, -5.5) and 7.5 (2.9, 12.1); respectively]. There was no significant association between acculturation and CMR factors in men. Conclusion: SA women who employed an assimilation strategy had a more favorable CMR profile compared to women using a separation strategy. Future research should investigate the behavioral pathways linking acculturation strategies with CMR and potential incorporation into prevention interventions. Disclosure M. Al-Sofiani: None. S.J. Langan: None. A.M. Kanaya: None. N.R. Kandula: None. B. Needham: None. C. Kim: None. D.M. Becker: None. D. Vaidya: None. S. Golden: None. C. Lee: None. R. Rastogi Kalyani: None.

Abstract P216: Relationships of Nativity and Length of Residence in the U.S. with Favorable Cardiovascular Health Among Hispanics/Latinos of Diverse Backgrounds: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Objectives: Little is known about the relationship of acculturation and favorable cardiovascular (CV) health (i.e., low CV risk) in the Hispanic/Latino population. Methods: Age-adjusted prevalences (weighted for sampling probability and non-response) are reported. Logistic regression was used to examine associations of acculturation (measured using nativity and length of residence: &lt;10 years, ≥10 years, and US-born) with low CV risk (not currently smoking; no diabetes; untreated total cholesterol &lt;200mg/dL; untreated blood pressure &lt;120/&lt;80; body mass index &lt;25 kg/m 2 ; and no major ECG abnormalities) in 15,047 HCHS/SOL participants (52.4% women) of Central American, South American, Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican background, and Hispanic/Latino men and women identifying as other or &gt;1 background group. We also tested whether these associations varied by Hispanic/Latino background. Results: Among women, age-adjusted low CV risk prevalence was highest for those living in the US &lt; 10 years (15.4%) and similar for those living in the US ≥ 10 years (9.4%) and born in the US (9.2%). Low CV risk prevalence in was lower in men, but patterns were similar by acculturation (&lt;10 years: 4.5%; ≥ 10 years: 5.6%; US-born: 6.0%). In multivariable-adjusted models (Table), women living in the US&lt;10 years were more likely to be low CV risk than US-born women; these associations did not vary by Hispanic/Latino background (P for interaction=0.72). Findings varied significantly in men (P for interaction &lt;0.001), but there was no strong patterning in low CV risk prevalence by length of residence for most groups. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role that acculturation plays in shaping cardiovascular health in Hispanics/Latinos.

A mediation model of the relationship of cultural variables to internalizing and externalizing problem behavior among Cambodian American youth.

This study examined a mediation model of the relationship of acculturation (Anglo/ White cultural orientation) and enculturation (Cambodian cultural orientation) to internalizing and externalizing problem behavior among 191 Cambodian American high school students from an urban school district in the Northeast region of the United States. The hypothesized mediators were parent– child acculturation gap and school attachment. The results partially supported the hypothesized mediation model, indicating that parent– child acculturation gap and school attachment were significant mediators in the relationships of acculturation and enculturation to internalizing problem behavior (depression), but not to externalizing problem behavior (substance use and gang involvement). This study has important implications for family and school-based prevention and intervention programs in addressing the cultural challenges and mental health needs in the lives of Cambodian American youth.

Paradise Shift: Immigration, Mobility and Inequality in Southern California

In a context of widening economic inequality and governmental persecution of undocumented immigrants, central theoretical and policy questions concern the social mobility (intra- and inter-generational) of new ethnic groups being formed as a result of mass migration from Latin America and Asia - especially the rapidly growing generation of children of immigrants now making their transitions to adulthood (finishing their education, entering full-time work, forming families of their own). In this paper findings are presented from merged samples of two research studies in Southern California (IIMMLA and CILS-III). The focus is on the educational mobility of foreign-parentage (1.5- and 2nd-generation) young adults of Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian origin - representing distinct and segmented modes of incorporation. The analysis examines factors which facilitate or derail their mobility prospects, including the relative role of parental human capital and legal/citizenship status, family and neighborhood contexts growing up, early school achievement, acculturation, incarceration, and teenage and non-marital child-bearing, compared to patterns observed for native-parentage (3rd-generation and beyond) white, black, and Mexican-American peers. The relationship of acculturation and mobility, the resultant formation of new patterns of urban ethnic inequality and their implications for social science and public policy, are also addressed.

The Relationship of Acculturation and Associated Factors to Glycemic Control in Asian Indian Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

To examine the association between acculturation and associated factors with glycemic control in Asian Indian adults with type 2 diabetes.

Health Disparities and Children in Immigrant Families: A Research Agenda

Children in immigrant families now comprise 1 in 5 children in the United States. Eighty percent of them are US citizens, and 53% live in mixed-citizenship families. Their families are among the poorest, least educated, least insured, and least able to access health care. Nonetheless, these children demonstrate better-than-expected health status, a finding termed "the immigrant paradox" and one suggesting that cultural health behaviors among immigrant families might be protective in some areas of health. In this article the strength of the immigrant paradox, the effect of acculturation on health, and the relationships of acculturation, enculturation, language, and literacy skills to health disparities are reviewed. The current public policy issues that affect the health disparities of children of immigrant families are presented, and a research agenda for improving our knowledge about children in immigrant families to develop effective interventions and public policies that will reduce their health disparities is set forth.

The Relationship of Acculturation and All Cause Mortality Among Mexican Americans: Results from the NHANES III Mortality Follow Up

Background: Mexican Americans comprise the largest percentage of Hispanics in the United States, accounting for 9.5% of the population in 2006. Although more than 40% of Mexican Americans are foreign born, even individuals born in the U.S. face the process of acculturation, or the merging of Mexican and American cultures. Previous research has linked acculturation to both negative and positive health outcomes, with more acculturated Mexican Americans experiencing increased rates of substance use and abuse, asthma, and obesity, but decreased rates of physical inactivity and low self-esteem. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between acculturation and all-cause mortality in a nationally representative sample of Mexican Americans.

The Relationship of Acculturation and Social Integration to Assaults on Intimate Partners Among Mexican American and Non-Mexican White Students

This study examined the role that Mexican ethnicity, acculturation into Anglo American society, and social integration play in intimate partner violence among a sample of 348 college students. The results indicated that Mexican American ethnicity and acculturation into Anglo American society by Mexican American college students had no relation to intimate partner violence. However, integration into society was associated with a decreased probability of severely assaulting a partner among both Mexican Americans and Non-Mexican Whites. The results support a control theory perspective (social integration) on intimate partner violence.

Do Sociocultural Factors Predict Suicidality Among Persons of African Descent Living in the U.S.?

Given that researchers have found increased risk for suicidality and other psychiatric problems among acculturated individuals, we predicted similar results for African-descended people living in the U.S. We surveyed a community sample of 423 adult men and women of African descent to determine acculturation's relationship to Black suicide. Participants completed the African American Acculturation Scale, the Multi-Dimensional Support Scale, and a subscale of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale. Suicidal ideation and history of suicide attempt were defined as a “yes” response to the questions, “have you ever considered taking your own life?” and “have you ever attempted to take your own life?” We found that religious well-being (not acculturation) was predictive of both suicidal ideation and history of suicide attempt.

Relationship of Acculturation and Family Functioning to Smoking Attitudes and Behaviors Among Asian-American Adolescents

The primary objective of this study was to examine the combination of acculturation, family functioning, and parental smoking as predictors of smoking attitudes and behaviors among Asian-American adolescents. The participants were 106 Asian-American high school students whose ages ranged from 15 to 19 (51 male and 55 female, mean age = 16.30 years). Of the sample, 49% reported having tried smoking, and 27% identified themselves as “regular” smokers. The results indicated that smoking attitudes were significantly associated with smoking behaviors. Compared to nonsmokers, adolescent regular smokers had more positive smoking attitudes, lower acculturation, poorer family functioning and were more likely to have a father who smoked.

Central American Adolescent Acculturation and Parental Distress: Relationship to Ratings of Adolescent Behavior Problems

This study examined the relationship of acculturation and Central American adolescents' behavioral problems as reported by their parents. Cross-sectional survey data regarding demography, acculturation, and psychosocial functioning was examined among 112 urban adolescent immigrants, aged 12 to 17 years. Analysis indicated that, when parents and adolescents differed in acculturation, parents most frequently rated their adolescent with internalizing symptoms at a clinically elevated level. Parents' education and distress predicted parents' reports of adolescents' psychosocial problems beyond demographic factors, respondents' characteristics, and parents' and adolescents' acculturation. Higher relative acculturation among adolescents, but not parents, was the most robust predictor of parental distress scores, indicating that parental distress mediates the relationship between high relative acculturation of the adolescents and their psychosocial problems as reported by parents. Implications for research and clinicians conducting mental health interventions with Central American populations are briefly discussed.