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Impact of acculturation on dietary habits of Latina immigrants

Latino immigrants present a major public health challenge as they have the second highest prevalence of obesity and related chronic in the U.S. Newly arrived Latinos are generally healthier than the overall U.S. population, a phenomenon known as the “Latino Health Paradox”. Acculturation has been strongly associated with higher rates of obesity. During the last decade, the Latino population increased by 71% in rural areas of Illinois. The Latino Needs Assessment project was developed to assist rural communities in recognizing the strengths and challenges of these immigrants. Our objective was to identify patterns of food intake in relationship to acculturation and acculturative stress. Data were gathered in 5 Central Illinois counties where 112 female participants were recruited for structured interviews. Questions addressed individual, social and contextual factors that affect immigrant families' wellbeing, including acculturation and nutrition measures. The consumption of flour tortillas was associated with language acculturation (r=0.22, p=0.02); length in the U.S. (r=0.20, p=0.04); consumption of salty snacks (r=0.20, p=0.04) and eating at fast food restaurants (r=.30, p=0.001). Corn tortilla consumption was significantly associated with fruit consumption (r=0.25, p=0.01) and stress about giving up cultural practices (r=0.19, p=0.04). Lower consumption of traditional food products, even when related positively to acculturation, was also associated with unhealthy dietary habits. In order to prevent obesity and obesity‐related diseases, it will be important to encourage immigrants to maintain their traditional healthful foods and facilitate the availability of these.