Are Experiences of Discrimination Related to Poorer Dietary Intakes Among South Asians in the MASALA Study?

Abstract

Objective: To examine associations between self-reported discrimination and dietary intakes among South Asian (SA) people.

Methods: Data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study were used to analyze the relationship between self-reported discrimination and dietary behaviors (n = 866). Self-reported discrimination was measured with the 9-item continuous Everyday Discrimination Scale. Diet was measured with a culturally tailored, validated, 163-item food frequency questionnaire for SA individuals. Dietary variables examined in these analyses included weekly consumption of fruits and vegetables and sweets. The researchers employed multiple logistic and linear regression models.

Results: Self-reported discrimination was unrelated to fruit and vegetable intake but was positively associated with consumption of sweets per week (P = .001).

Conclusions and implications: Increased consumption of sweets may be a mechanism for SA individuals to cope with stressful experiences of discrimination. Further research examining discrimination and health behavior-related coping strategies among SA people is needed.

Keywords: South Asian; coping; diet; discrimination.