Associations between acculturation and diet and health indicators among U.S. Asian adults: NHANES 2011-2016

Abstract Acculturation may influence diet and health outcomes among Asian adults in the U.S., therefore associations were examined between acculturation and diet and health indicators among a population-based sample of U.S. Asian adults. Asian adults (20–65 years) (n = 1401) participating in the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were categorized as less (n = 825) and more acculturated (n = 576) based on an acculturation scale (country of birth, length of U.S. residence, language spoken at home). Food group and nutrient consumption, Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores and health indicators were compared by acculturation level using multivariable regression models adjusted for covariates. More versus less acculturated participants were more likely to have higher family incomes and more education. More versus less acculturated participants also had lower HEI-2015 component scores for total vegetables, greens and beans, and added sugars and saturated fats (indicating less conformity to guidelines), lower intakes of dietary fiber, higher intakes of added sugars and solid fats, and higher body mass index. No other associations were observed between acculturation and health and disease indicators. Findings can be used by public health professionals to implement programs tailored to more acculturated U.S. Asian adults to improve diet and health.