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ABSTRACT
Objective: Research examining how different dimensions of acculturative beliefs and behaviors influence the risk of biological dysregulation among Latina/os is limited. This study examined associations between three types of acculturation and allostatic load (i.e. a multisystem index of biological dysregulation) across gender and Latina/o ethnic groups. Multiplicative models were also included in order to determine whether immigrant generation moderates acculturation-allostatic load relationships.
Design: Data were drawn from the Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latina/os. The sample consisted of 11,841 Latina/os from five ethnic groups: Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, and South/Central American. The measure for allostatic load was derived from 15 biomarker and anthropometric measures that were designed to capture cardiometabolic risk, glucose metabolism, cardiopulmonary function, inflammation, and organ function. Acculturation measures, immigrant generation, gender, ethnic background, and other covariates were derived from self-reports. Survey corrected ordinary least squares regressions were used to assess relationships between different dimensions of acculturation and allostatic load.
Results: Results demonstrate dimensions of acculturation play a significant role in the risk of biological dysregulation for Latina/os with divergent results across gender and ethnic background. Estimates from the multiplicative models show immigrant generation moderates acculturation-allostatic load relationships, and relationships are dependent on gender and ethnic background.
Conclusion: The study contributes to the understanding of how different dimensions of acculturation, as well as other important structural determinants of health, influence the risk of biological dysregulation among Latina/os. Finding from this study can inform targeted strategies designed to reduce the physiological consequences of chronic stress among Latina/os.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability
All data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latina/os were obtained through the Biological Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center housed at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. More information concerning data availability and HCHS/SOL contract can be found here: https://biolincc.nhlbi.nih.gov/studies/hchssol/?q=Hispanic%20Community