https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7974-910X
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Abstract
Objective
Identify factors associated with perceived discrimination, including depression, body image satisfaction, body mass index (BMI), social support, stress, and self-reported social status.
Participants
A total of 249 American Indian tribal college students
Methods
Students were recruited for an Internet-based smoking cessation program. A total of 249 students answered the Everyday Discrimination Scale questions to assess perceived discrimination. We conducted bivariate analyses to determine potential significant associations between perceived discrimination and health outcomes at baseline.
Results
We found 63% of the sample reported racial discrimination. Among those who reported moderate/severe depression, 87% reported discrimination. Among those who were not satisfied with their body image, 70% reported racial discrimination.
Conclusion
Reports of racial discrimination are highly prevalent among our participants. We found reports of discrimination are significantly associated with depression and dissatisfaction with body image. Our study highlights a high priority population that perceives racial discrimination, potentially increasing their risk for adverse health outcomes.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Pfizer for providing Chantix for this study. Additionally, we would like to recognize the participating American Indian tribal colleges and their institutional review boards for their permissions and guidance.
Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Human Subjects Committee at the University of Kansas Medical Center and participating tribal college IRBs.