Influence of race, acculturation, and socioeconomic status on tendency toward overweight in Asian-American and Mexican-American early adolescent females.

BACKGROUND

Health disparities in chronic disease prevalence exist in the United States among racial/ethnic groups. This study explores relationships between physical, socioeconomic, and cultural characteristics of a multi-ethnic sample of early adolescent females which may assist health educators in designing programs targeting these groups.

METHODS

Mexican-American and Asian-American sixth grade females (n = 144) were enrolled in Adequate Calcium Today. Physical measurements included weight, height, and BMI. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry determined percent body fat (%BF). Socioeconomic status was determined by enrollment in free or reduced meal program (FRMP). An adapted Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican-Americans-II (ARSMA-II) measured acculturation.

RESULTS

Mexican-Americans had greater height, BMI, %BF, and a greater tendency toward overweight (P < 0.01) than Asian-American. Asian-Americans were more acculturated than MA (P < 0.005), attributed to a lower ethnic orientation scale score. Within Asian-Americans, %BF was higher among FRMP participants than non-participants (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Income and acculturation may affect tendency toward chronic disease.