Development of a Bidimensional Dietary Acculturation Framework for the Hispanic Male Population

Acculturation has been shown to play an independent role in nutrition behavior in the Hispanic population. Currently, the conceptualization of the dietary acculturation process is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing dietary behavior in Hispanic males of differing acculturation groups residing in the southern US. Being able to understand the operant aspect of the dietary acculturation processes would allow nutrition practitioners and researchers to 1) move beyond simple description of dietary intake into explanation and prediction by identify contributing dietary factors in terms of their specific acculturation processes and context and 2) intervene appropriately on unhealthy dietary behaviors through tailoring nutrition interventions depending on Hispanic acculturation subgroups. The Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican-Americans and Marginality scale were utilized to categorize 35 male participants into one of four bidimensional acculturation categories; assimilated, marginalized/separated, traditional or bicultural. Qualitative methods, semi-structured interviews (n=30), a group interview (n=5) and photovoice with follow-up group interviews (n = 12), were used to examine influencing factors on dietary behavior between acculturation subgroups. Grounded theory guided the thematical analysis. From the analysis, a bidimensional acculturation conceptual framework was developed. The framework outlines identified psychosocial and environmental influences on dietary behavior among Hispanic acculturation subgroups. Based on this information, a diet-related psychosocial and environmental instrument has been developed and is undergoing validation. This instrument will allow researchers and practitioners to identify diet-related influencing factors leading to tailored-individual or population level interventions that encourage improvements in dietary outcomes in Hispanic populations.