A multi-dimensional approach to measure acculturation: Using a sample of Latina women living in Los Angeles

Typically, acculturation is measured with a single scale, however these scales have limitations and usually measure individual-level phenomena.  But women’s lives also operate within a social and community context.  We developed a multi-dimensional acculturation measure that takes into account individual variables, interpersonal connectedness, and community level variance.  Latinas aged 21 to 50 were recruited from Los Angeles clinics and community sites and interviewed face-to-face (N = 1660).  Variables that will be used to conceptualize this measure include: individual demographics, stress, participation in community groups, interpersonal communication (local vs. home country), and the Marin’s Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS).  Additionally, to measure community level variables we developed geographic clusters based on participant’s residence and geocoded each participant according to their US census tract.  Sample descriptors are: the average age was 37 years, stress averaged at 7.48, on a 10-point Likert scale and 73% preferred to speak Spanish. The average BAS scores were 3.5 for the Hispanic subscale and 2.3 for the Non-Hispanic.  About 58% participated in a community group (sports 24%, cultural 24%, political 5%, other 5%).  The mean frequency for discussing neighborhood issues was 4 on a 10-point Likert scale. For the US Census community level variables, the mean frequency was 44.7% English not well and 30% home ownership.  Hierarchical linear modeling will be used to compare the power of both the new multi-dimensional acculturation measure to the traditional BAS measure to predict cervical cancer-related behaviors (pap, HPV vaccination) as well as health status more generally.