OBJECTIVES: To assess associations of cultural and personal identity variables with socioeconomic status (SES) and health lifestyle in African Americans. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: A questionnaire administered to 333 African Americans, ages 40-70 years, at enrollment in a nutrition education study assessed: African-American cultural identity (15 items scored 1 [low] to 4 [high]); reference group (two questions about perceived success in the Black or White way of life-scored as bi-cultural if "yes" to both); personal identity (4 items on: self-concept as attractive, self-confident, satisfied and friendly-scored 1 [no/not sure] or 2 [yes]); and selected demographic and lifestyle variables. RESULTS: Cultural identity factors reflecting participation in and belonging to African-American culture and bi-cultural reference group were related to higher SES, lower fat diets, not smoking, current drinking, and higher leisure time physical activity (cultural identity only), particularly in women (P<.001 to P = .06). Associations of cultural identity with physical activity and of bi-cultural reference group with low-fat eating and not smoking (females) remained significant at P<.05 after adjustment for SES. CONCLUSIONS: A greater emphasis is needed on aspects of cultural identity that are positively related to health lifestyles as distinct from aspects that might act as barriers.
OBJECTIVES: To assess associations of cultural and personal identity variables with socioeconomic status (SES) and health lifestyle in African Americans. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: A questionnaire administered to 333 African Americans, ages 40-70 years, at enrollment in a nutrition education study assessed: African-American cultural identity (15 items scored 1 [low] to 4 [high]); reference group (two questions about perceived success in the Black or White way of life-scored as bi-cultural if "yes" to both); personal identity (4 items on: self-concept as attractive, self-confident, satisfied and friendly-scored 1 [no/not sure] or 2 [yes]); and selected demographic and lifestyle variables. RESULTS: Cultural identity factors reflecting participation in and belonging to African-American culture and bi-cultural reference group were related to higher SES, lower fat diets, not smoking, current drinking, and higher leisure time physical activity (cultural identity only), particularly in women (P<.001 to P = .06). Associations of cultural identity with physical activity and of bi-cultural reference group with low-fat eating and not smoking (females) remained significant at P<.05 after adjustment for SES. CONCLUSIONS: A greater emphasis is needed on aspects of cultural identity that are positively related to health lifestyles as distinct from aspects that might act as barriers.
Authors: Joseph G Grzywacz; Eleanor Palo Stoller; A Nichol Brewer-Lowry; Ronny A Bell; Sara A Quandt; Thomas A Arcury Journal: Health Educ Behav Date: 2011-06-01
Authors: James R Hébert; Kathryn L Braun; Joseph Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula; Cheryl A Armstead; James B Burch; Beti Thompson Journal: Prog Community Health Partnersh Date: 2015
Authors: Sue P Heiney; Swann Arp Adams; Bettina F Drake; Lisa H Bryant; Lynne Bridges; James R Hebert Journal: Clin Trials Date: 2010-06-22 Impact factor: 2.486