Acculturation and cardiovascular disease screening practices among Mexican Americans living in Chicago

To examine acculturation as a correlate of cardiovascular disease screening practices among Mexican Americans.

A modified Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey was administered to adults age 18 and older in four Chicago neighborhoods during the winter of 2000 (N=435).

Regression analyses that accounted for complex sampling design found that Mexican Americans who were acculturated, were female, and had healthcare coverage were more likely to have been screened after controlling for age, healthcare coverage, education, and marital status. Acculturated Mexican Americans were 4.97 times more likely to have had blood cholesterol screening, 3.4 times more likely to have had blood pressure screening, and 7.99 times more likely to have had a routine checkup in the preceding two years when compared to unacculturated Mexican Americans. Mexican Americans with healthcare coverage were more likely to have had their blood pressure checked and to have obtained a routine check-up than did those without coverage. Women were more likely to have had a blood pressure screening and have obtained a routine check-up in the past two years.

The results suggest that more acculturated Mexican Americans, as well as those who are female and who have healthcare coverage, are more likely to obtain cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related screenings. The findings indicate a need for promoting CVD-related screenings among Mexican Americans and underscores the need for Spanish-speaking health professionals.