Acculturation, Cultural Beliefs, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Levels Among Nigerian, Ghanaian and Cameroonian Immigrants in the United States

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.). Immigrant groups from sub-Saharan Africa in the U.S. have higher CVD risk than their African American counterparts. This study examines associations of sociodemographic factors (age, sex, education, & income) to acculturation, cultural beliefs, and CVD risk levels (CVDRL) among Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Cameroonian immigrants (NGCI) in the U.S. A correlational cross-sectional design was used. Data from a convenience sample (n = 178) of NGCI were analyzed using correlations, regressions, and path analysis. Acculturation had a statistically significant influence on cultural beliefs (β = 0.16, P < .05). Age, sex, and education were the strongest predictors of CVDRL among the NGCI sample. High acculturation among NGCI in the U.S. have been associated with more health-promoting cultural beliefs. It is important that NGCI who may have difficulties understanding the culture of the U.S. healthcare system receive quality care.