Acculturation and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Hispanic adolescents: The moderating effect of...

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is a risk factor for obesity. Acculturation to the United States (US) might increase sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Hispanic adolescents, but few moderators of this relationship have been examined. This study examined the moderating influence of impulsivity on the association between acculturation and sugar-sweetened beverages. Hispanic adolescents (n = 154), 14-17 years, were identified and screened for eligibility through low-SES high schools and parents provided consent. Adolescents completed measures of acculturation using Unger's 8-item acculturation scale, impulsivity, and diet. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the main effect of acculturation and the interaction of acculturation with impulsivity on the diet outcomes: sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and percent of calories from sugar. Acculturation was positively associated with sugar-sweetened beverages (β = 0.43; p < .05). The interaction of acculturation x impulsivity was significant (β = 0.42, p < .05). Among youth who were more acculturated, those who were more impulsive consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages. Youth who were more acculturated, but less impulsive consumed less sugar-sweetened beverages. Neurocognitive variables such as impulsivity may be important moderators of the influence of acculturation on dietary behavior. Targeted messaging strategies based on levels of acculturation and impulsivity might enhance the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages among Hispanic adolescents.