Work

Social support modifies the negative effects of acculturation on obesity and central obesity in Mexican men

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Background: This study examined the moderating role of social support in the acculturation-obesity/central obesity relationship in Mexican American (MA) men and women.Methods: Data from NHANES 1999–2008 were used. Acculturation derived from language use, country of birth and length of residence in the U.S. Social support assessed emotional and financial support. BMI (≥30) and waist circumference (≥88 cm for women; ≥102 cm for men) measured obesity and central obesity, respectively. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to describe associations.Results: Compared to less acculturation, more acculturation was associated with higher odds of obesity (ORs 2.48; 95% CI 1.06–5.83) and central obesity (2.90; 1.39–6.08) among MA men with low/no social support, but not among MA men reporting high social support. The modifying effects was not observed among women.Conclusion: Higher amounts of social support appeared to attenuate the risk of obesity/central obesity associated with acculturation. Interventions enhancing social support maybe effective among acculturated MAs, particularly among men.

Source: Ethnicity and Health

DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2018.1492708