Impact of acculturation and health behavior characteristics on BMI among Hispanic adults: The Central East Florida Acculturation-Obesity Study (CEFAOS)

Evidence showed that acculturation impact ethnic groups' health disproportionately. Only a few studies have thoroughly investigated the obesogenic associations of acculturation and health behavior characteristics on BMI (kg/m 2) among Hispanic adults. The objective of the study was to identify which sample's characteristics significantly predicted body mass index (BMI in kg/m2) among adult Hispanic immigrants and U.S.-born Hispanics in Florida. A cross-sectional study obtained a convenience sample (N = 354) and collected data from the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics -- Linguistic Proficiency (BAS/LP) subscale and the Eligibility and Health Screening survey. Multiple regression results showed that BMI scores significantly increased in the monocultural U.S.- born subgroup (ss = .136, p = .026) and with increased time living in the United States (ss = .137, p = .008). BMI scores significantly decreased with increased dietary practices (ss = -.192, p <.001) and physical activity (ss = -.237, p <.001). Higher BMI scores in monocultural U.S.-born Hispanics, compared to monocultural Hispanic immigrants, may be supported by "unhealthier" assimilation and separation, respectively. Lower BMI scores in bicultural U.S.-born Hispanic and Hispanic immigrant subgroups may be supported via their "healthier" integration into the American culture. Future research and public health overweight and obesity prevention strategies aimed at improving dietary practices and physical activity behaviors should tailor their efforts primarily to the acculturation-Hispanic monocultural U.S.-born subgroup living five or more years in the United States.