Author: Ann Jacob SmithPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 446
Book Description
Predicting BMI and Health Status in African American Women
Author: Ann Jacob SmithThe Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Body Mass Index on Vitamin D Levels in African American Women with and Without Diabetes Living in Areas with Abundant Sunshine
Author: Shani Vann DavisPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES), body mass index (BMI), and vitamin D levels in African American (AA) women living in areas with abundant sunshine; and to explore if diabetes moderates these relationships. SIGNIFICANCE: More AA's live in poverty, and experience obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease compared to other groups. Eighty percent of AA women are overweight or obese, and rates of type 2 diabetes is highest in this group. Minority race, obesity, and diabetes increase risks for low vitamin D, and are associated with p DESIGN AND METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used to examine the specified relationships. Data from 611 non-pregnant AA women ≥ age 20 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2003 - 2006 were studied. SES was measured as poverty to income ratio (PIR), education level, and annual household income. Mean ± SD for BMI was 31 ± 8, and 14ng/ml ± 7ng/ml for vitamin D level. Only 8% of the sample had diabetes (n = 49). One hundred-eighty lived in areas with abundant sunshine. RESULTS: BMI independently predicted the vitamin D level without regard for SES, or geographical locale. Vitamin D supplement use emerged as an independent predictor of vitamin D on covariate analysis. SES did not explain significant variation in the vitamin D level. A moderating influence of diabetes could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: BMI inversely predicts vitamin D level independent of geographic locale in AA women. Ethno/cultural measures to reduce BMI should be standard in caring for AA women which may affect vitamin D level and/or reduce morbidity and mortality in this group. Persons with low vitamin D suffer with more adverse health outcomes, and future research should examine if vitamin D deficiency accelerates risks for poor health outcomes where BMI is high.
The Influence of Perceptions and Experiences of Racial Discrimination on Body Mass Index Among the Black Women's Health Study Cohort
Author: Dana-Marie ThomasPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : African American women
Languages : en
Pages : 698
Book Description
Using data from the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS) and building on what is currently known about perceptions of racism and discrimination and its mechanisms, this study attempts to demonstrate the value of identifying additional variables that may serve as potential risk factors for obesity among African American women. Using secondary data analysis, the purpose of this study was to expand the scope of existing obesity research by examining a 1997 cross-sectional dataset of self-reported questionnaire responses among a random sample of African American women enrolled in the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS) to examine the association between perceptions of racism and discrimination within 3 domains (e.g., perceived racism, institutional racism, race consciousness) and body mass index (BMI) after controlling for selected sociodemographic, psychological, behavioral, and reproductive factors. The general hypothesis of the study was that self-reported responses to perceptions and experiences of racism and discrimination would be significantly associated with differences in weight (as measured by BMI) among the sample utilized for the current study. A convenience sample of 5,044 African American women enrolled in the BWHS was included for analysis in this non-probability cross-sectional study. A biopsychosocial theoretical framework was used to understand the unique role of perceived racism, institutional racism and race consciousness had on body mass index (BMI) among the BWHS cohort. These factors were examined because of their relevance to African American females' experiences. The data were analyzed through hierarchical multiple and logistic regression through SPSS 14.0. The major findings of this research indicate that a large random sample of African American women enrolled in the Black Women's Health Study found a clear relationship between perceived racism and body mass index (BMI). Results revealed consistent with the study's main hypothesis that self-reported responses to perceptions and experiences of racial discrimination would be significantly associated with differences in weight (as measured by BMI), the summary variable for perceived racism was significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) among the BWHS cohort. Elevated odds ratios were observed for the variable that summarized perceived racism. Elevated odds ratios were also observed for most of the individual perceived racism questions. Results also revealed the variable for race consciousness was a significant individual predictor of body mass index (BMI) among the sample. Notably, perceptions and experiences of racial discrimination did not predict differences in the level of obesity among the sample. Overall, the finding that the summary variable for perceived racism was predictive of the odds of being obese (BMI> 30kg/m2) vs. non-obese (BMI
Predicting Fat Consumption Among African American Women
Author: Gina EvansPublisher: VDM Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 140
Book Description
African American women develop life threatening health diseases such as hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and obesity at higher rates than Caucasian women. Dietary differences between African American and Caucasian women are one of the most prominent factors attributing to the disparity in health conditions between the two groups. The relationship between psychosocial factors and dietary choices has been explored, but cultural factors have been given much less attention. The purpose of this study was to predict the influence of these psychosocial (food preference and preparation methods, perceived support from family and friends, and attitude toward health) and cultural (acculturation levels) variables on African American women's level of dietary fat intake. An additional purpose of this study was to predict the influence of the psychosocial variables as moderated by acculturation levels, on African American women's level of dietary fat intake.
The Relationship Between Body Images and Healthy Eating and Exercise Behaviors Among a Sample of Black Women
Author: Kristin Joan FlynnPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 198
Book Description
Black women are at high risk for obesity and obesity-related health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Genetic predisposition and socioeconomic theories do not provide adequate explanation for why Black women are at high risk for obesity. Researchers have hypothesized that Black women's greater acceptance of a wider range of body sizes as attractive may make them less motivated to engage in weight-control. Few studies have addressed the relationship between body image and healthy eating and exercise behaviors among Black women. This is the first study known to examine these variables by using measures designed and validated among a sample of Black women. Eighty-seven Black women were recruited to participate in our survey. Hierarchical multiple and logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether body image variables predicted eating and exercise behaviors among Black women. Results suggest that obese women with greater body satisfaction were more likely to eat low fat foods and engage in regular exercise than obese women with less body satisfaction. Body image was not a predictor of healthy eating and exercise behaviors among nonobese Black women. These results challenge previous hypotheses that Black women's more positive body images place them at greater risk for obesity. Instead, this study suggests that positive body images are associated with healthy eating and exercise behaviors that reduce the risk for obesity and obesity-related diseases among Black women.
Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
Author: Expert Panel on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults (U.S.)Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Medical protocols
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Of evidence-based recommendations -- Introduction -- Overweight and obesity: background -- Examination of randomized controlled trial evidence -- Treatment guidelines -- Summary of recommendations -- Future research.
Weight-related Beliefs, Behaviors, and Social Networks of Obese, Young Adult African- American Women
Author: Brandy Michelle RollinsPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 183
Book Description
Obesity is a public health concern that affects over 30% of Americans. Approximately 78% of African-American women are overweight/obese, as compared to 46% of Caucasian women. Obese African-American women are at higher risk for associated morbidities (e.g., hypertension, type II diabetes, select cancers, and early mortality) as compared to non-Hispanic whites. Weight gain after young adulthood (ages 20-35) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems later in life. Research that seeks to explain, predict, or control obesity among African-American women has focused on individual behavior change. Few studies have addressed the social contexts within which these behaviors occur. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the weight-related beliefs, behaviors, and social network characteristics of obese, young adult African-American women. A conceptual framework based on social support and social network theory guided the design of the study. Ten African-American women between the ages of 20 and 35, self-described as "plus-size" or "full-figured" completed initial informal conversations about weight-related issues and concerns and semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews. Five participants were randomly selected to complete social network profiles to identify potential social influences on weight-related beliefs and behaviors. Results of the initial conversations revealed approximately half of the participants were class III obesity (BMI > 40), reported overall good health, and 70% participated in physical activity at least one day a week. Semi-structured interviews results disclosed two primary reasons for unsuccessful long-term weight loss: (a) inconsistent weight loss behaviors and (b) lack of accountability. Weight-related beliefs and behaviors of study participants were similar to those reported for older adult African-American women. Similarities included (a) mixed levels of body satisfaction; (b) the belief that health is not determined by weight; (c) sedentary lifestyles and; (d) social support from family and friends impacts long-term weight loss success. The five social network profiles indicated participants' networks are small, comprised of at least two overweight/obese females, and exhibited positive social support behaviors. Social networks included positive, negative, and non-positive relationships. Social support for weight loss is shared among network members through face-to-face interactions, phone conversations, and use of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and text messaging. Future healthy weight studies would benefit from comprehensive analyses of the social networks of obese, young adult African-American women, inclusive of interviews with social network members. Culture-based healthier weight interventions that organize social support networks through social media tools are promising strategies for promoting healthy weight management among obese, young adult African-American women. The electronic version of this dissertation is accessible from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/148292
African American Acculturation
Author: Hope LandrinePublisher: SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Should African Americans be construed as a race or as an ethnic group? If African Americans are defined as an ethnic group, what role does culture play in their lives and how can we measure their culture? This groundbreaking volume argues that we should reject the concept of race and define African Americans as a cultural group. It presents the first scale ever devised for measuring acculturation among African Americans, along with powerful studies that empirically explore the role of culture and acculturation in African American behavior, health, and psychology. Among the authors' findings are how acculturation predicts symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, and physical problems, such as hypertension.
Social Networks and Health
Author: Thomas W. ValentePublisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 019988529X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 442
Book Description
Relationships and the pattern of relationships have a large and varied influence on both individual and group action. The fundamental distinction of social network analysis research is that relationships are of paramount importance in explaining behavior. Because of this, social network analysis offers many exciting tools and techniques for research and practice in a wide variety of medical and public health situations including organizational improvements, understanding risk behaviors, coordinating coalitions, and the delivery of health care services. This book provides an introduction to the major theories, methods, models, and findings of social network analysis research and application. In three sections, it presents a comprehensive overview of the topic; first in a survey of its historical and theoretical foundations, then in practical descriptions of the variety of methods currently in use, and finally in a discussion of its specific applications for behavior change in a public health context. Throughout, the text has been kept clear, concise, and comprehensible, with short mathematical formulas for some key indicators or concepts. Researchers and students alike will find it an invaluable resource for understanding and implementing social network analysis in their own practice.
Author: