A Review of Acculturation Measures and Their Utility in Studies Promoting Latino Health
Author: Wallace, Phyllis M.
Date Published: 2010
The authors reviewed the acculturation literature with the goal of identifying the measures used to assess acculturation in Hispanic populations in the context of studies of health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior change. As the Hispanic population continues to grow in the United States, there is a need to develop rigorous acculturation measure that include health indicators. Findings suggest that multidimensional acculturation scales are robust measurement tools when assessing nationality, cultural awareness media and language preferences, and health status. Health communication researchers should consider aspects of cultural values and beliefs, and their impact on health status, for future research and health promotion interventions.
Date Published: 2010
The authors reviewed the acculturation literature with the goal of identifying the measures used to assess acculturation in Hispanic populations in the context of studies of health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior change. As the Hispanic population continues to grow in the United States, there is a need to develop rigorous acculturation measure that include health indicators. Findings suggest that multidimensional acculturation scales are robust measurement tools when assessing nationality, cultural awareness media and language preferences, and health status. Health communication researchers should consider aspects of cultural values and beliefs, and their impact on health status, for future research and health promotion interventions.
