RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Second-generation Arab Americans may be at risk for poor cardiovascular health behaviors, but these behaviors are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acculturative stress and psychological flexibility on cardiovascular health behaviors among second-generation Arab Americans. METHOD: In a cross-sectional study, survey data were collected in 2018 at local mosques, churches, and a university campus. Cardiovascular health behaviors were measured with a questionnaire based on the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7. Acculturative stress and psychological flexibility were assessed using reliable and valid measures. RESULTS: Participants (n = 325) with higher acculturative stress were significantly more likely to report intermediate overall cardiovascular health behaviors (p = .01) and poor to intermediate diet (p = .00). Psychological flexibility partially mediated poor/intermediate smoking (p = .02) and intermediate diet (p = .00) scores. DISCUSSION: Nurses may consider the role of acculturation when designing culturally sensitive interventions to promote cardiovascular health in second-generation populations.
