Negative Mood is Associated with Sociobehavioral Factors Contributing to Cardiovascular Risk in an Immigrant Population
After settling in the United States (US), immigrants often accumulate obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. As mood is often associated with health behaviors in the US population, mood may be an important mediating factor in immigrant populations.
BMC Public Health Jul 2024
Among Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrants in southeast Minnesota, those who reported feeling down or in a negative mood were more likely to face challenges with healthy eating, physical activity, and feeling connected to their communities. These individuals tended to eat fewer fruits and vegetables, drink more sugary beverages, and had lower confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. They also received less encouragement from family and friends to engage in healthy behaviors and were less likely to access community resources that support nutrition and physical activity.
The RHCP-led weight loss program, which uses social networks to promote healthier lifestyles, found that mood plays a key role in shaping health behaviors. Participants with a negative mood were more likely to feel isolated and less supported, which may contribute to higher cardiovascular risk. These findings suggest that addressing emotional well-being and building self-confidence could strengthen health interventions in immigrant communities. Incorporating strategies that boost mood and social support may help improve outcomes and reduce health disparities.
Relationship Between Negative Mood and Health Behaviors in an Immigrant and Refugee Population
Immigrants experience an escalation of negative health behaviors after arrival to the United States.
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Sept 2016
Baseline data from RHCP’s Healthy Immigrant Families project revealed a strong link between mood and health behaviors among immigrant and refugee adolescents and adults in Rochester, Minnesota. Adolescents with positive mood were significantly more active, consumed less soda, and reported greater social support for physical activity. Adults with positive mood showed higher self-efficacy for physical activity, snacked more frequently on fruits and vegetables, and rated their physical well-being more positively. These findings suggest that mood may influence both motivation and engagement in healthy behaviors, with social support and self-confidence acting as key mediators.
The study highlights the importance of integrating mood assessment and management into health interventions targeting immigrant populations. While physical activity levels among adults did not differ significantly by mood, their confidence and perceived well-being did, indicating potential for future behavior change. The results underscore the need for culturally tailored, community-based programs that address emotional health alongside nutrition and physical activity. RHCP’s CBPR approach, which emphasized trust, cultural relevance, and community ownership, provides a promising model for addressing health disparities in immigrant and refugee communities.