Health behaviors and health outcomes of Arab Americans : a socio-ecological perspective

Access restricted to the OSU CommunityDespite the significant increase in the number of Arab immigrants living in the United States over the past few decades, the literature lacks adequate information about this group's health behaviors in relation to important health outcomes. This group of immigrants may have different health behaviors and health outcomes than the general population in the United States. The purpose of this study was 1) to assess and describe the prevalence of health behaviors and health outcomes among Arab American immigrants living in Colorado and (2) to evaluate the relationships between acculturation and health behaviors from a socio-ecological perspective. The design for this study was cross-sectional descriptive based on a survey method. The survey entails questions about health habits (smoking, diet, exercise and early cancer detection) and outcomes of interest (obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer) in this study. Results of the study showed that Arab Americans living in Colorado engage in healthy behaviors such as eating a healthy diet, engaging in exercise, and seeking early cancer screening. However, Arab Americans are twice as likely to use tobacco products when compared to the general population in Colorado. The study results showed low prevalence of the chronic diseases of interest. That could be explained by the fact that the sample was of young age, and these diseases are more prevalent among older individuals. About one third of the participants were overweight and 11% were obese. The study revealed the important role of culture in shaping and affecting health behaviors of Arab immigrants. Those who were more acculturated into the American culture were more likely to be physically active, while those who were more acculturated into the Arabic culture were more likely to smoke and have family members and friends who smoke, as well as to spend more time with them. This study also revealed the importance of addressing hookah smoking among Arab immigrants, since it is considered a socially acceptable activity. Individuals may be under the misconception that hookah smoking is safer than cigarettes. Therefore it is important for health care providers to discuss health hazards of hookah smoking that are similar to those of cigarette smoking. Conclusion: Understanding the culturally relevant predictors of certain health behaviors, such as smoking, can help health providers design smoking cessation interventions that not only focus on the individual but also on his or her family and friends, which seem to play a significant role in smoking among Arab Americans