Behavioral risk factors: A comparison of Latinos and non-Latino whites in San Francisco

E.J. Perez-Stable, G. Marin and B. VanOss Marin

American Journal of Public Health, 1994, vol. 84, issue 6, 971-976

Abstract: Objectives. The purpose of the study was to evaluate differences between Latino and non-Latino White adults in health-related behavioral risk factors. Methods. Telephone interviews were conducted with 652 Latinos and 584 non- Latino Whites in San Francisco selected by random-digit dialing. Results. Latino men and women, compared with their non-Latino White counterparts, were less likely to have consumed any alcoholic beverage in the previous month (59% and 29% vs 77% and 75%, respectively), consumed fewer drinks per week (6.6 and 3.0 vs 8.9 and 5.1, respectively), and were more likely to be sedentary (40% and 46% vs 17% and 23%). Latina women were less likely than non-Latina Whites to smoke cigarettes (8% vs 29%), to have ever had a Pap smear (76% vs 93%), and to have ever had a clinical breast examination (81% vs 96%). Multivariate analyses adjusting for sex, age, education, and employment confirmed univariate findings. Conclusions. Behavioral risk factor profiles by ethnicity help emphasize priorities of health promotion programs for a community. Latino needs include maintenance of limited consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, promotion of regular physical activity, and increasing use of low-cost cervical and breast cancer screening tests.

Date: 1994
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1994:84:6:971-976_9

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