278369
Influence of discrimination within an anti-immigrant sociopolitical context on cumulative biological risk for latinos in detroit, MI
Amy J. Schulz, PhD,
Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Cindy Gamboa,
Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Graciela B. Mentz, PhD,
Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, 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.
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Discuss how this heightened anti-immigrant sociopolitical context may influenceof experiences of discrimination among Latinos and a change in experiences of discrimination for Latinos over time.
Assess the influence of acute and everyday discrimination on cardiovascular health for Latino communities.
Identify the practical implications of these findings on efforts to improve the social conditions and health of Latino communities adversely affected by the anti-immigrant sociopolitical context.
Keyword(s): Latino Health, Immigration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I conceptualized the study and have conducted the analyses. I also took the lead on the writing for this project.
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.
