title: Predictors of eating attitudes and behaviors among gay Hispanic men.
abstract: Gay men are a vulnerable population at risk for a number of health disparities, but little is known about eating disorders among gay Hispanic men. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of eating attitudes and behaviors with alcohol abuse, body image, depression, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors to determine predictors of eating attitudes and behaviors in a community sample of gay Hispanic men. Significant numbers of the participants were at risk for eating disorders (13%), alcohol abuse (18%), body image disturbance (29%), depression (25%), low self-esteem (12%), and high-risk sexual behaviors (34%). Alcohol abuse, body image, depression, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors were significant predictors of eating attitudes and behaviors and accounted for 38% of the variance in eating attitudes and behaviors. Nurses providing care to this population of gay men must be aware of this cluster of related mental health conditions that are experienced by these men. Addressing and treating these health conditions as a group of related mental health conditions are necessary. More research is needed to further explore this cluster of health issues among gay Hispanic men.
authors.affiliation: University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, 5030 Brunson Drive, Room 432A, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA. jdesantis@miami.edu
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: De Santis
authors.forename: Dennys Martin
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Layerla
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barroso
authors.forename: Karina A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Gattamorta
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: Guillermo J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Prado
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult