Description
Latinos represent one of the fast growing populations in the United States that experience a range of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. Using data from the study "Vida Sana, Hoy y Mañana," this paper examined gender differences in fruit and vegetable consumption and percentage of calories from fat among Latino immigrants in North Carolina. The differences between men and women were analyzed using t-test. Multi linear regression was used to examine factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption and percentage of calories from fat. The six variables examined were gender, age, income, public assistance, health status, and acculturation. Men consumed one more serving of fruits and vegetables than women and consumed more percentage of their calories from fat. Although this was a small study, none of the variables examined showed significance. Age was the only factor that approached significance with older adults consuming more fruits and vegetables than younger participants. Age was statistically significant with young adults consuming more percentage of their calories from fat than older participants. Although Latino immigrants migrate to this country with favorable health behaviors, over time research has shown that their behaviors tend to assimilate to the host country. Tailoring interventions to address these factors will provide ideas for health professionals to increase consumption and reduce calories from fat among the Latino population.
