Psychosocial factors in blood pressure variation: a comparative study of young Samoans

Traditional peoples contacting modern cultures frequently experience increased levels of blood pressure. The aim of this investigation was to identify some acculturation-related psychosocial factors which might contribute to those elevations. Young Samoans living in a traditional village, in modernizing American Samoa, and as migrants in Hawaii were studied. Casual blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and extensive interview data were collected. The most important factor predicting variation in blood pressure was body mass (BMI). This finding was particularly evident among the acculturated and migrant Samoans. In those locations women's abandonment of breast feeding may contribute to their higher BMI. Among acculturated and migrant women, measures of social support favored lower blood pressures. Among men in all locations a greater number of close social ties was linked to higher blood pressures with the exception of ties with parents. Parental ties were linked to substantially lower blood pressures. A knowledge of Samoan traditions favored lower blood pressure among migrant men, while knowledge of American culture favored higher pressures. Coping strategies and complaint behavior were also significant contributors in all locations.