Determinants of Obesity in Latinos in Anchorage Alaska

Abstract

Determinants of obesity can be complex and group specific. There is limited data about the Latino population and the health needs of Latinos in the state of Alaska. The goal of this project was to better understand the determinants of obesity in Latinos, including the impact of dietary choices, financial status, mental health, and exercising in the levels of obesity of Latinos. The investigator used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to study the association of several variables in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). After data exploration, univariate analysis and logistical regression were conducted for selected variables related to the causes of obesity in Latinos living in the state of Alaska where the investigator observed higher percentages of obesity in Latinos as compared to other groups. However, results were not statistically significant except for the higher percentages with high blood pressure in obese Latinos when compared to non-obese Latinos and other groups. The results produced by this study are evidence that further research is needed to determine the impact of obesity in Latinos and their differences with other groups.