Elva M. Arredondo, PhD¹, John P Elder, MPH, PhD¹, Guadalupe X. Ayala, PhD, MPH², Nadia R. Campbell, MPH¹, and Barbara Baquero, BA¹. (1) Center for Behavioral and Community Health Studies, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, San Diego, CA 92123, 619 594-3481, earredondo@projects.sdsu.edu, (2) Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, CB #7440, Rosenau Hall 315, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7440

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity among Latinas is only second to that of African-American women. Studies on the influence of acculturation on Latinas’ dietary behaviors are mixed. The role of acculturative stress (i.e. conflict in resolving cultural differences) may help explain why some Latinas increasingly engage in poor dietary behaviors as they acculturate. The goals of the current study are to evaluate the independent effects of acculturative stress and other psychosocial variables on Latinas’ dietary behaviors.

Methods: Self-administered survey data from approximately 140 adult Latinas assessing barriers and self-efficacy to healthy eating, healthy dietary behavioral strategies, demographic, acculturation, acculturative stress, and other cultural factors were examined.

Results: The analyses suggest that 84% of study participants were born outside the U.S., and 71% reported completing 12th grade or less. Latinas who reported higher acculturative stress encountered significantly more barriers to healthy eating (diets low in fat and high in fiber), were less educated and unemployed (all p<.05) compared to those who reported low acculturative stress. Latinas with greater perceived self-efficacy for healthy eating and who were born outside the U.S. were more likely to engage in healthy dietary behaviors (p<.05) compared to those who scored low in self-efficacy and were born in the U.S.

Discussion: This study provides insight into the mediating and moderating roles of psychosocial variables controlling for demographic factors in predicting healthy dietary behaviors. Women who encountered higher levels of acculturative stress may be at higher risk for adopting unhealthy dietary behaviors. Findings will inform interventions aimed at increasing healthy dietary behaviors in Latinas as these may benefit from including additional skills to help cope with the acculturative process.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to

• Describe the role of acculturation on dietary practices.
• Describe the associations between psychsocial factors and dietary practices.

Keywords: Latinas, Dietary Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.