Comparing acculturation models in evaluating dietary habits among low-income Hispanic women

Studies have demonstrated that Hispanic women in the United States who are more acculturated tend to consume fewer fruits and vegetables, and more fat, compared to less acculturated women. However, some studies have found an opposite trend. Such discrepancies could be caused by inconsistencies in the assessment of acculturation. The goal of the current study was to determine whether different methods of defining acculturation could identify dietary fat use practices among Hispanic women living in the United States.

One hundred nineteen Hispanic women were recruited from adult education vocational rehabilitation classes, and completed questionnaires assessing dietary fat practices, acculturation, and demographic information.

Years living in the United States was not associated with higher or lower fat use in this sample. A preference for speaking English at home was significantly associated with less consumption of beans and peas. Being born in the United States was significantly associated with greater consumption of convenience foods and chocolate candy. Being born in the United States and exhibiting a preference for English were significantly associated with greater consumption of convenience foods and salty snacks, as well as greater frequency of eating higher fat foods, overall.

The operational definition of acculturation significantly influences whether acculturation is associated with dietary fat practices in low-income Hispanic women. The discrepancies in the conclusions about dietary fat practices between these 4 methods demonstrate the need for a better understanding of cultural influences on dietary habits, as well as a consistent measure of acculturation in this field.