Research indicates that as Latinos become more acculturated to the United States, their diet changes and they experience weight gain. There is also a high incidence of depression in this population. The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the correlations between sociodemographic factors, weight gain, dietary intake, and depression in a population of first-generation Latino males. The results indicated a positive significant correlation ( < .05) for weight gain, time spent in the United States, and spouse residing in the United States, as well as a negative correlation between depression and dietary intake. Depression was a significant predictor (β = −.30, = .05) of fruit and vegetable intake after controlling for sociodemographic factors, therefore indicating that depression may negatively affect dietary quality and/or intake.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/diana_cuy-castellanos/5/
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