Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown the negative consequences of acculturation on lifestyle
factors, health status, and dietary intake of Hispanic immigrants in the United States.
Despite prevalent type 2 diabetes and low socioeconomic status among Puerto Rican
adults living on the US mainland, little is known about acculturation in this group.
Objective
We investigated associations among acculturation, lifestyle characteristics, health
status, and carbohydrate nutrition in Puerto Rican adults. A secondary objective was
to investigate possible confounding and/or effect modification on these associations
by socioeconomic status.
Design
Cross-sectional data from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study, which included 1,219
Puerto Ricans in the Boston area, aged 45 to 75 years.
Statistical analyses
Characteristics were compared using analysis of covariance, linear trend, and Pearson's
χ2 tests across quartiles of acculturation. Tests for interaction by poverty status
were conducted. Proportional contributions of foods to intake of total carbohydrate
and fiber were assessed using SAS RANK (version 9.1.3, 2002-2003, SAS Institute, Cary,
NC).
Results
Levels of acculturation were low, despite young age at first arrival to the US mainland
(25.4±12.3 years) and long length of stay (34.2±12.2 years). Greater English language
use was associated with higher socioeconomic status, alcohol consumption, physical
activity, better perceived health, and less central obesity. Acculturation was associated
with lower legume fiber and greater cereal fiber intake. Among those above the poverty
threshold, acculturation was associated with lower dietary glycemic index and starch
intake, and greater fruit and nonstarchy vegetable intake.
Conclusions
In contrast to studies with Mexican Americans, the association of acculturation with
dietary quality in these Puerto Rican adults was mixed, but tended toward better carbohydrate
quality. Dietary recommendations should include maintenance of traditional, healthful
dietary practices, including consumption of legumes, but also reduction in refined
grains, and greater inclusion of fruit, nonstarchy vegetables, and whole grains. Interventions
to improve access to better quality carbohydrate sources are necessary for this group
disproportionately affected by diabetes.
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Biography
M. I. Van Rompay is a postdoctoral associate, Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA; at the time of the study, she was a doctoral student at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA.
Biography
N. M. McKeown is a scientist, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, and director, Nutritional Epidemiology Program, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA.
Biography
C. Castaneda-Sceppa is an associate professor, Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA.
Biography
L. M. Falcón is a professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA.
Biography
J. M. Ordovás is director, Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory, and professor of Nutrition and Genetics, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA.
Biography
K. L. Tucker is professor and chair, Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA; at the time of the study, she was a senior scientist and director, Dietary Assessment and Epidemiology Research Program, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 22, 2011
Accepted:
August 26,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
