Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0005-1002-8829
Date Available
5-5-2027
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
College
Public Health
Department/School/Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Faculty
Dr. Ketrell McWhorter
Committee Member
Dr. Steve Browning
Faculty
Dr. Angela Carman
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Obesity prevalence in the U.S. has tripled over the last 50 years and remains a public health concern. Among Latinos, 45.6% have obesity and represent the racial/ethnic group most likely to have no health insurance coverage. Uninsured individuals are less likely to access preventive care and are at greater risk for poor health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the association between health insurance coverage and BMI among Latinos living in the U.S.
METHODS: The 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) public use data (N=29,522) was used. The NHIS collects health information about adults across the U.S. through confidential, face-to-face interviews. The sample included respondents who self-reported as Latino. Descriptive statistical analyses, as well as log-binomial and Poisson regression models were conducted using SAS version 9.4.
RESULTS: Unadjusted prevalence ratios (PR) when compared to coverage were 0.96 [95%CI:0.86–1.07](p=0.48) and 0.56 [95%CI:0.33–0.93] (p=0.02) for obesity and health status, respectively. Adjusted PRs when compared to coverage were 0.90 [95%CI:0.80–1.01] (p=0.07) and 0.67 [95%CI:0.38–1.17] (p=0.16) for obesity and health status, respectively.
CONCLUSION: US Latinos without insurance have a 4% lower obesity prevalence and report “Poor” health 44% less often than those with insurance, as well as a reduction of average BMI of 0.25. This association may be related to the Latino Health Paradox, which refers to the pattern of recent immigrants having a health advantage over US-born individuals. Future research may identify health disparities, inform interventions that target obese Latinos, and improve access to preventative services for Latinos
Recommended Citation
Valenzuela Silva, Melina, "Variation In BMI Among U.S. Latinos Based on Health Insurance Status" (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.). 480.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cph_etds/480
