Examining the Role of Acculturation in Health Behaviors of Older Mexican Americans

• Published in: American journal of health behavior Vol. 30; no. 6; pp. 684 - 699
• Main Authors: Masel, Meredith C., Rudkin, Laura L., Peek, M. Kristen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States PNG Publications 01.11.2006
• Subjects: Acculturation; Aged; Aging (Individuals); Alcohol consumption; Alcohol Education; Cultural Influences; Drinking; Female; Females; Health Behavior; Health behaviour; Health Promotion; Hispanic; Hispanic Americans; Humans; Leisure Time; Literature Reviews; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mexican American people; Mexican Americans; Minority Groups; Multivariate Analysis; Older; Older Adults; Smoking; United States; Values; United States
• ISSN: 1087-3244; 1945-7359
• DOI: 10.5993/AJHB.30.6.14

Objectives: To determine if acculturation is associated with smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity among older Mexican Americans. Methods: Multivariate analyses of data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (H-EPESE) were used. Results: Those who were more proficient in English were more likely to be former or current smokers than nonsmokers and former or current drinkers than abstainers. In addition, those who had greater contact with AngloAmericans were more likely to be former or current smokers than nonsmokers and former or current drinkers than abstainers. Conclusions: These results can assist health promotion programs in identifying those most at risk of engaging in negative health behaviors.