Obesity Among U.S.- and Foreign-Born Blacks by Region of Birth.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Large, recent migration streams from the non-Hispanic Caribbean islands and Africa have increased the share of U.S. blacks born outside of the U.S. Little is known about health patterns in these foreign-born populations. The purpose of this study is to compare obesity levels among self-identified U.S. blacks across birth regions and examine potential explanations for subgroup differences.

Methods

Data were from the 2000-2013 National Health Interview Surveys. Three birthplace subgroups were examined: individuals born in the U.S., Caribbean/South America, and Africa, aged 25-59 years. Data were analyzed in 2013-2014.

Results

Compared to U.S.-born participants, foreign-born participants had significantly lower obesity (BMI ≥30) odds. The AORs were 0.51 (Car

SUBMITTER: Mehta NK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4509865 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature