Acculturation and gender: influence on healthy dietary outcomes for Latino adolescents in California.
OBJECTIVE
Examine acculturation and gender on intention to eat a healthful diet among Latino adolescents using the Theory of Planned Behavior.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of data set and condensed version of the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH).


METHODS
Data collected from 34 randomly selected high schools in San Bernardino, CA.


METHODS
265 Latino high school adolescents.


METHODS
Effects of acculturation and gender on variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior on intention to eat a healthful diet.


METHODS
Multiple regression analysis examined acculturation/gender differences, and modifications on the prediction of intention. General linear modeling determined differences across gender and acculturation groups.


RESULTS
Females had stronger intention, more positive attitude, and greater subjective normative influence. Females indicated feeling healthy and looking good and males indicated good athletic performance as contributors to eating healthfully. Mother was influential for both genders, and stronger for females. Siblings were influential for less acculturated males, and friends were influential for highly acculturated females. Less acculturated adolescents had stronger intention to eat healthfully, more tolerance to give up liked food items, and more support and encouragement.


CONCLUSIONS
Professionals need to take into account gender and acculturation differences when making dietary recommendations for Latino adolescents.
Diaz
Heather
H
Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA, USA. diazh@csus.edu
Marshak
Helen Hopp
HH
Montgomery
Susanne
S
Rea
Brenda
B
Backman
Desiree
D
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011593:Psychology, Social; D012044:Regression Analysis; D017678:Sex Distribution; D055815:Young Adult