141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

285117
An assessment of acculturation and dietary pattern among jamaican immigrants in Florida

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM

Carol Oladele, Ph.D. , Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Elizabeth Barnett Pathak, Ph.D. , Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
Sangita Sharma, Ph.D. , Department of Endocrinology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
David Himmelgreen, Ph.D. , Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida College of Arts and Sciences, Tampa, FL
Wendy N. Nembhard, Ph.D. , College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Getachew Dagne, Ph.D. , College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Jimin Yang, Ph.D. , Pediatric Epidemiology Center, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
Thomas J. Mason, PhD , College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Introduction: Increased length of time spent in the US is associated with poor dietary habits among immigrants. Maintaining traditional eating habits from their country of origin is beneficial for disease prevention compared to eating habits associated with migration for many immigrant groups. We examined the role of acculturation and socio-cultural factors in predicting dietary pattern among Jamaican immigrants. Methods: A 2-stage cluster sample design was used to randomly select Jamaicans (25-64 years) in two Florida counties. Ninety-one participants were administered a health questionnaire that assessed acculturation, dietary pattern, and risk factors for CVD. Investigators hypothesized that less acculturated, lower SES, and persons living in ethnic enclaves are more likely to adhere to traditional dietary patterns. Generalized estimating equation modeling was used to examine associations. Results: Persons who were less acculturated were more likely to adhere to a traditional diet (β=0.03, p<.05). Similarly, persons with 12 or fewer years of education were more likely to adhere to a traditional diet (β=-0.56, p<.05). Results also showed divorced (β=0.32, p<.05)) and separated (β=0.12, p<.05) persons more likely to adhere to a traditional diet as were persons who migrated at older ages (β=0.02, p<0.05). Residence in an ethnic enclave was not a statistically significant predictor of dietary pattern.

Discussion: The association between acculturation and dietary pattern was consistent with that from other studies. These findings demonstrate the role of socio-cultural factors in determining dietary pattern among Jamaicans. Findings can be used to inform intervention efforts to maintain healthy traditional habits that reduce disease risk.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology

Learning Objectives:
Describe the relationship between acculturation and dietary pattern for Jamaican immigrants

Keywords: Culture, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: The submitted abstract is the result of my dissertation research conducted at the University of South Florida College of Public Health. I have had training in the topic areas of dietary assessment methodology, acculturation, and epidemiological methods and spent over four years conducting research related to these topics. My current research also relates to this area of research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.