Influence of discrimination within an anti-immigrant sociopolitical context on cumulative biological risk for latinos in detroit, MI

Background. The past decade has been characterized by an escalation of anti-immigrant sentiments and restrictive immigration polices, which adversely affects Latino communities. This sociopolitical context may contribute to an increase in discrimination against Latinos, which is negatively associated with health. We examined racial/ethnic differences in experiences of acute and everyday discrimination in 2002, and will examine relative changes in discrimination from 2002-2008 for each racial/ethnic group. Finally, we will test associations between discrimination and cumulative biological risk (CBR) in both 2002 and 2008. Methods. The Healthy Environments Partnership Community Survey includes 919 and 459 Whites, Blacks, and Latinos aged >25 surveyed in 2002 and 2008, respectively. The dependent variable, CBR, includes systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, HDL, total cholesterol, and hypertension medication use. Independent variables include the mean 7-item acute and 5-item everyday discrimination scales. The association between discrimination and CBR in 2002 and 2008 for Latinos relative to Blacks and Whites will be examined using generalized estimating equations. Results. In 2002, racial/ethnic differences in the mean everyday discrimination score were not significant (Latinos: 1.71, Blacks: 1.74, Whites: 1.69; p>0.05), while Latinos (0.67) had a significantly lower mean acute discrimination score than Blacks (1.42) and Whites (1.06; p<0.05). We will conduct similar tests of difference by race/ethnicity in 2008, and change over time within each racial/ethnic group. Conclusions. We discuss the intersection of structural inequalities and ethnicity and implications for discrimination and cumulative biological risk for Latino communities, the largest and fastest growing minority group in the U.S.