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Pre- and Post-displacement Stressors and Body Weight Development in Iraqi Refugees in Michigan.
- Source :
- Journal of Immigrant & Minority Health; Oct2015, Vol. 17 Issue 5, p1468-1475, 8p
- Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Refugees have typically experienced stress and trauma before entering the US. Stressors and mental health disorders may contribute to obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the body mass index (BMI) in Iraqi refugees settled in Michigan in relationship to pre- and post-migration stressors and mental health. Anthropometric and demographic data were collected from 290 Iraqi refugees immediately after they arrived in Michigan and one year after settlement. Significant increases were observed in BMI (+0.46 ± 0.09 kg/m, p < 0.0001) and the percentage of refugees suffering from hypertension (from 9.6 to 13.1 %, p < 0.05). Significant increases in stress, depression and acculturation, as well as decreases in post-migration trauma and social support, were also observed. Linear regression analyses failed to link stressors, well-being, and mental health to changes in BMI. It is likely that acculturation to a new lifestyle, including dietary patterns and physical activity levels, may have contributed to these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- ACCULTURATION
ANTHROPOMETRY
BODY weight
CHI-squared test
STATISTICAL correlation
MENTAL depression
HYPERTENSION
MENTAL health
QUESTIONNAIRES
PSYCHOLOGY of refugees
REGRESSION analysis
RESEARCH funding
PSYCHOLOGICAL stress
T-test (Statistics)
SOCIAL support
WELL-being
BODY mass index
PRE-tests & post-tests
DATA analysis software
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 15571912
- Volume :
- 17
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Immigrant & Minority Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 109323390
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0127-3