Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Sumner W. Davis

Abstract

AbstractObesity has been identified as a predisposing factor that poses a serious threat for the development of chronic diseases and contributes to health disparities affecting both minority and vulnerable populations. Though previous studies reported the association of stress with health status and behavior, there is little or no research on the heterogeneity of obesity predictors in specific minority populations in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors of obesity among adult African American immigrant populations in the United States. Studying obesity in this population may help policymakers tailor interventions that could reduce obesity prevalence. Guided by the social-ecological model and acculturation theory, this study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional design using a secondary data set from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS 3): Milwaukee African American Sample, 2016–2017 (ICPSR 37120). Pearson's chi-square test and logistic regressions were used to analyze data. The findings indicated that, although some categories of age, duration of residence, education, gender, and marital status significantly predict odds of being obese, stress and health behaviors (tobacco use, marijuana use, alcohol use, physical activity) remained insignificant predictors after the inclusion of these variables in this sample of African American adults. The social change implications from these findings may include their use by public health workers and policymakers to target interventions toward reducing obesity among this population. There is a need for further investigation into other causes of obesity in this minority population.

Download

Included in

Epidemiology Commons

Share

 
COinS