Cultural identity and health lifestyles among African Americans: a new direction for health intervention research?
OBJECTIVE
To assess associations of cultural and personal identity variables with socioeconomic status (SES) and health lifestyle in African Americans.


METHODS
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.
Airhihenbuwa
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Department of Behavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA. aou@psu.edu
Kumanyika
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TenHave
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Morssink
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D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012923:Social Class