Do Latino immigrants link self-rated health with BMI and health behaviors?

Am J Health Behav. 2007 Sep-Oct;31(5):535-44. doi: 10.5555/ajhb.2007.31.5.535.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the association between self-rated health, obesity, and self-reported health behaviors of Latino immigrants

Methods: Two hundred two Latino immigrants (mean age=31.63, SD=8.30, 54% female) participated in a 15-minute interview and height and weight measurements.

Results: Participants reporting good to excellent health reported engaging in physical activity during the past month (P<.05), eating more fruits and vegetables (P<.001 and P<.01 respectively), and watching less television (P<.01) than did those who reported fair to poor health. Self-rated health was not associated with BMI.

Conclusions: Greater attention to Latinos' self-perception of health in relation to weight is needed to develop interventions to improve health status.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • North Carolina
  • Obesity / ethnology
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Obesity / psychology