320 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ACCULTURATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK FACTORS IN US IMMIGRANTS

• Published in: Journal of investigative medicine 2006-01, Vol.54 (1), p.S313
• Main Authors: Koya, D. L., Egede, L. E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1081-5589; 1708-8267
• DOI: 10.2310/6650.2005.X0008.319

BackgroundImmigrants are the fastest growing segment of the US population. Although differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors between immigrants and US born have been previously examined, the effect of acculturation on CVD risk factors in immigrants has been less well studied. We examined the association between acculturation (duration of stay in the US) and CVD risk factors among US immigrants.MethodsWe used data from the nationally representative 2002 National Health interview Survey. We analyzed data on 5,328 adult immigrants. We identified 6 cardiovascular disease risk factors: overweight/obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and physical inactivity. Diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were based on self-report. Overweight/obesity was defined as body mass index of 25+; physical inactivity was defined as no moderate/vigorous activity per week; and smoking was defined as currently smoking. We created 3 categories for duration of stay in US (< 10, 10-15, 15+ years). We used multiple logistic regression to determine whether duration of US stay was independently associated with CVD risk factors after adjusting for relevant confounders, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, insurance status, and annual income. STATA was used for analysis to account for the complex survey design.TableResults: Adjusted Odds of CVD Risk Factors by Duration of US Stay ConclusionsDuration of stay is incrementally associated with development of CVD risk factors among US immigrants. It appears that acculturation to living in the US may be an independent predictor for CVD risk factors among US immigrants.