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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 2/2013

01-04-2013 | Original Paper

Immigrating to the US: What Brazilian, Latin American and Haitian Women Have to Say About Changes to Their Lifestyle That May be Associated with Obesity

Authors: Alison Tovar, Aviva Must, Nesly Metayer, David M. Gute, Alex Pirie, Raymond R. Hyatt, Christina D. Economos

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

Our goal was to explore the perceived determinants of obesity in Brazilian, Latin American and Haitian women. This is part of an ongoing community-based participatory intervention. Focus groups by immigrant group were conducted and themes extracted. Women expressed differences in beliefs, attitudes, and barriers regarding diet and physical activity in the US versus their home country. Participants thought food in the US is “less natural,” there is less time for preparation, and there is more variety. The weather is a barrier to physical activity in the US and work is more physically demanding. Job-related efforts were not considered physical activity. They reported higher levels of stress, less control of their time and less social support in the US. Providing immigrants with appropriate support and education early in the acculturation process has the potential to help prevent obesity.
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Metadata
Title
Immigrating to the US: What Brazilian, Latin American and Haitian Women Have to Say About Changes to Their Lifestyle That May be Associated with Obesity
Authors
Alison Tovar
Aviva Must
Nesly Metayer
David M. Gute
Alex Pirie
Raymond R. Hyatt
Christina D. Economos
Publication date
01-04-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-012-9665-8

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