Predictors of eating attitudes and behaviors among gay Hispanic men

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2012 Apr;26(2):111-26. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2011.06.003. Epub 2011 Oct 12.

Abstract

Gay men are a vulnerable population at risk for a number of health disparities, but little is known about eating disorders among gay Hispanic men. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of eating attitudes and behaviors with alcohol abuse, body image, depression, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors to determine predictors of eating attitudes and behaviors in a community sample of gay Hispanic men. Significant numbers of the participants were at risk for eating disorders (13%), alcohol abuse (18%), body image disturbance (29%), depression (25%), low self-esteem (12%), and high-risk sexual behaviors (34%). Alcohol abuse, body image, depression, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors were significant predictors of eating attitudes and behaviors and accounted for 38% of the variance in eating attitudes and behaviors. Nurses providing care to this population of gay men must be aware of this cluster of related mental health conditions that are experienced by these men. Addressing and treating these health conditions as a group of related mental health conditions are necessary. More research is needed to further explore this cluster of health issues among gay Hispanic men.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Body Image
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / ethnology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Feeding Behavior / ethnology
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / ethnology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / ethnology
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychological Tests
  • Self Concept
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult