Acculturation, Socioeconomic Factors and Obesity Among Immigrants from El Salvador Living in the Washington, D.C. Area

Abstract

This study examined acculturation, SES and obesity in a convenience sample of 1205 Salvadoran immigrants from the Washington, D.C area. Acculturation was measured by language preference for print and electronic media and years residing in the U.S. Obesity was measured by the percent overweight based on body mass index norms. About 30% of respondents were overweight. Acculturation was positively associated with obesity and together with other variables in the model explained 45% of the variance in obesity. Preference for Spanish media was strongest in the older age group. Doctors and TV were the most frequently cited sources of health information. Social workers and health educators can use this information to develop culturally competent interventions and research in Hispanic populations.

Key Words:

• Media preferences
• acculturation
• percent overweight
• Hispanics
• health information sources