The Association among Acculturation, Anxiety, Sleep Quality, and Weight Status in Latina Mothers

Previous research indicates that increased acculturation within the Latino population has been linked to adverse health outcomes such as increased body weight and cardiovascular disease. Poor sleep quality has also been linked to these adverse health outcomes. Factors related to acculturation, such as sleep quality and anxiety, may explain the differences in weight status. However, no studies have examined the association of acculturation, anxiety, sleep quality, and weight status in the Latino population. We used data from BOUNCE healthy lifestyle interventions that recruited Latina mothers aged 18 years (n=210, Mean age = 39.90). Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7), and the Tanita TBF 310 series scale were key measures used in the study. Mothers with higher levels of obesity were more likely to be more acculturated, more anxious, and reported poorer sleep quality compared to thinner mothers. Reported anxiety and sleep quality were also positively correlated. That is, as mothers reported greater levels of anxiety, they were more likely to report poor sleep quality. Findings from this study suggest the importance of studying associations among cultural, psychological, and weight status among Latina mothers.