Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Shanna Barnett

Abstract

Individuals from low-income countries such as those in the Asian region migrate to high-income countries and adopt obesogenic behaviors like sedentary lifestyles and high fat and sugar intake. This results in increased susceptibility to obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Previous research has demonstrated that migrants from South Asian countries are at an increased risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension; however, little is known about the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study guided by the social-ecological model. This study used secondary data from the National Health Interview survey to investigate the predictors of obesity among female South Asian immigrants in the United States. The results of the study showed no significant relationship between obesity and the factors of income, education, employment, neighborhood supportiveness, and length of stay as a proxy for acculturation. However, it did identify an effect between age and overweight and obesity with a logistic regression model that was statistically significant, χ2(8) = 23.748, p < .005. The findings of this study can help create an understanding of the causes of obesity in the South Asian population that can then be addressed at individual and community levels. In addition, the information is useful for health organizations interested in working with this community so that they can develop interventions to target the identified predictors.

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