Acculturation is a continuous, firsthand contact with other cultures functioning at both group and individual levels. It is reflected in our culturally diverse society, calling for a greater understanding of the environmental and cultural impact on health. Self-reported health (SRH), a robust and well-validated predictor of future mortality for all racial/ethnic groups, has been differentially reported by Hispanics compared to whites, especially based on their acculturation status. A study by Johnson investigated the relationship between acculturation and SRH among Hispanics. An adapted Andersen framework was used to develop logistic regression models to assess for an association between acculturation and general health status. Hispanic participants (n=135), as part of the North Texas Healthy Heart Study, were administered standardized questionnaires on acculturation, psychosocial measures which included sense of control, stress, depression and social support, and a single item SRH measure. In addition, physiological measurements and demographic characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index, medical history, and socioeconomic status, were also obtained. Bivariate analyses found Mexican-oriented participants 3.16 times more likely to report fair/poor SRH compared to Anglo-oriented Hispanics. Acculturation was also associated with SRH in multiple regression models controlling for enabling, need, and predisposing factors together.

WHAT THIS MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: Acculturation status was associated with SRH after accounting for other underlying factors. Medical and public health professionals should promote the use of acculturation measures in order to better understand its role in Hispanic behaviors, health outcomes, and health care use. Such research findings will contribute to the design of culturally sensitive prevention and treatment strategies for diverse and immigrant populations.

WHAT THIS MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: If you are Hispanic, the study suggests that you make efforts to become acculturated into an Anglo society. Equally important, however, it suggests that those putting together self-management programs for patients with chronic conditions integrate materials that are tailored to help patients both manage their condition and become better integrated into an Anglo society. Fortunately, there are a number of self-management programs available for such conditions as arthritis, asthma, and diabetes available in Spanish. These have shown success at helping those with English as a second language.

KL Johnson et al. Acculturation and self-reported health among Hispanics using a socio-behavioral model: the North Texas Healthy Heart Study. BMC Public Health, 2010;10:53.