P30 Interface of Neighborhood Residence on Obesity Prevention Behaviors and Self-Efficacy in Chinese Americans

The obesity epidemic is a prominent health issue affecting Chinese Americans in the United States. An individual's living environment affects dietary choices and consumption patterns, impacting weight-related outcomes. The important construct of self-efficacy provides a foundation for nutrition educators in understanding mediators of health behaviors.To identify if self-reported neighborhood of residence (‘high income’ vs ‘middle-low income’) elucidate differences in obesity prevention behaviors and self-efficacy in Chinese Americans residing in Los Angeles county and the New York metropolitan area.A cross-sectional survey design was used where a convenience sample of 650 participants (18-60 years old) completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire. Participants were recruited from universities, cultural institutions, and churches, representing a wide range of backgrounds.Nineteen behaviors related to obesity risk reduction were measured with 9 items measuring self-efficacy for these behaviors. Participants indicated adoption of behaviors over the month reflecting food practices, portion size control, and consumption of plant-based foods. Descriptive statistics were conducted for the entire sample while t tests were applied for categorized neighborhoods (‘high income’ vs ‘middle-low income’).The mean age of the study participants (67% female) was 36.3 (SD = 14.5) years. Higher frequency of adoption of 6 health behaviors within the ‘high income group’ as compared to counterparts was indicated by t tests. Notable mean differences in behavior included choosing steamed over fried foods (P < 0.01), using small amounts of oils (P < 0.05), eating healthful snacks (P < 0.05), and following traditional healthful Chinese food patterns (P < 0.01). Stronger self-efficacy levels in the ‘high income group’ for 7 out of 9 items reflecting the performance of dietary behaviors were also indicated by t tests.Nutrition professionals must assess client's living environments in the adoption of obesity prevention behaviors. In fostering behavioral confidence, investigating the impact of individuals’ neighborhood in various residential areas are warranted.