Evaluating Microaggressions among Latinx Individuals with Obesity

University Of Houston, Houston TX

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Despite being one of the largest and fastest-growing demographics in the United States, Latinx persons experience striking health disparities, particularly in terms of obesity. One possible reason for this disparity among Latinx persons is that this population is disproportionately affected by stressful life conditions, including discrimination, which may lead to higher rates of obesity-related clinical correlates (e.g., emotional eating, physical inactivity). Subtle discrimination related to ethnic status at the daily level, known as ethnic microaggressions (MAs), is common among Latinx persons, and may be an underrecognized factor that accounts for significant and unique variance in obesity-related eating and physical inactivity behaviors. The goal of this R21 project is to elucidate the concurrent and temporal role of ethnic MAs in obesity-related eating and physical inactivity behaviors among Latinx persons using time sampling methodology (over the course of 28 days). Participants (N = 150; 50% female) will be Latinx adults meeting criteria for obesity. Furthermore, the present proposal will determine whether anxiety sensitivity (fear of somatic sensations such as shortness of breath, racing heart, and chest pain) accounts for the relation between ethnic MAs and obesity-related eating behaviors (i.e., greater emotional eating, food cravings, loss of control while eating, and episodes of overeating) and physical inactivity behaviors (i.e., greater fears of exercise and perceived barriers to engage in physical activity [PA] and lower exercise self-efficacy and moderate-to-vigorous PA), and test theoretically driven risk and resilience factors, including components of familismo (i.e., familial support and obligations) and weight stigma. The current proposal directly aligns with the goals of # PAR-21-313 to support new investigators from groups nationally underrepresented within the field of health sciences (Brooke Kauffman, PI, is a female new investigator from a disadvantaged background) conducting research aligned with the scientific mission areas of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The knowledge and experience gained from this proposal will be leveraged to guide intervention development and efficacy testing for future randomized clinical trials. Specifically, this study will enhance understanding and knowledge of precursors to obesity-related clinical correlates within the Latinx community and provide preliminary data needed to successfully compete for R01 funding as well as other independent research grants.