Social Cognitive Predictors of Dietary Behavior Among African Americans

The Influence of Ethnic and Mainstream Cultures on African Americans' Health Behaviors: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Culture plays an important role in shaping individuals' health behaviors. This qualitative research examines the relationship between African Americans' ethnic and mainstream cultures and their health behaviors (i.e., food intake and physical activity).

METHODS

This study used in-depth semi-structured interview format with a group of 25 African Americans to examine the influence of ethnic and mainstream culture on African Americans' food intake and physical activity. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes and patterns related to African Americans' health behaviors as well as to report these patterns within data.

RESULTS

The present study found that African Americans position both their ethnic and mainstream culture as important influences on their health behaviors pertaining to food intake and physical activity. Most participants reported taking advantage of "the best of both worlds" by engaging in picking and choosing healthy behaviors from both cultures to which they belong, and they perceived preparing healthy makeovers as a way to optimize their health. They also identified a range of practical considerations that can facilitate or hinder engagement in healthy eating and physical activity (e.g., affordability, social support). Participants discussed a number of other positive (e.g., resilience, spirituality) and negative (e.g., experience of discrimination) influences on health behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

African Americans consider both their ethnic and mainstream cultures important in shaping their health behaviors. These cultural influences need to be understood in the context of other psycho-socio-environmental factors that affect individuals' health behaviors. The current study has practical implications for designing health promotion programs for African Americans.

Integrative Review on Adherence in Haitians With Diabetes

In light of a marked increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in the United States in recent years with associated health costs totaling $245 billion for 2012, diabetes has become a major health and fiscal concern. Haitian Americans as a cultural group have unique obstacles to effective treatment and management of diabetes. This paper analyzes recent studies relevant to these challenges in anticipation of new research pertaining to this population. Although medication compliance is generally referred to as adherence, it is a complex concept and key challenge in diabetes care. Accordingly, this paper will further define adherence by describing its relevance in effective treatment and management. It will also analyze key theoretical perspectives in diabetes care, summarize recent research, and make recommendations for effective future research on the impact of diabetes education in Haitian Americans.