Behavioral Research on Acculturation and moderating and mediating Variables Observed Specifically among
Latinos: BRAVOS
Abstract/Project Summary:
Low-income Latino children are disproportionately affected by obesity. It is estimated that 15.6% of Latino
children age 2-5 years old are obese. By preschool, Latino children (2-5 years old) are 3 times more likely to
be obese compared to non-Latino white children. Preventing obesity in childhood can reduce risk for adult
comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. A possible influence on
obesity risk among Latinos is acculturation, the process of cultural and psychological change that takes place
as a result of contact between two or more cultural groups and their individual members. There is a need to
understand the impact of acculturation on obesity as well as the likely mediators and moderators of this
association such as dietary behavior. One important dietary determinant of obesity is the daily fruit and
vegetable intake (FVI). A majority of the existing evidence among Latino preschool-aged children (PSAC) is
cross-sectional. Evidence suggests that increasing acculturation to the US reduces FVI. New technology that
uses reflection spectroscopy on skin to measure carotenoids non-invasively, is a promising tool to easily and
reliably detect carotenoid biomarkers that is quicker than 24-hour recalls. The longitudinal mechanisms through
which parent acculturation affects the FVI, and Body Mass Index (BMI) of their PSAC is understudied. We will
employ a longitudinal study design guided by Social Cognitive Theory, utilizing Community-Based Participatory
Research principles, and leveraging an existing partnership between UNLV and Research, Education, Access
to Community Health (REACH). Nevada is the ideal setting for this study as nearly half of Latino
kindergarteners (48.3%) are overweight or obese. We will recruit a cohort of 251 Latino parents and their
PSAC and follow them longitudinally for three years. The specific aims are to: 1) Examine the longitudinal
association of parental acculturation with child outcomes: fruit and vegetable intake, and BMI z-score, 2) Test
the feasibility and acceptability of skin carotenoid biomarker measurement among young Latino children, 3)
Evaluate carotenoid biomarkers and their association with FVI via 24-hour recalls among Latino parents as
proxy reporters for their children. This R16 award will accelerate Dr. Johansen's program of research on
parental determinants of their PSACs obesity risk, develop his expertise in conducting longitudinal studies and
support his training of diverse UNLV undergraduates in health disparities research. Results from this project
will be used to develop a culturally relevant pilot intervention involving Latinx PSAC, which will inform the
development of an expanding program of research eligible for R01-level support.
