This study examines relationships among acculturation, depression, and cardiovascular risk factors in midlife women from the former Soviet Union and identifies factors predicting Framingham Risk Scores. Data were collected at baseline and 1 year later from 218 participants in a longitudinal study of postimmigration health. The leading risk factors were obesity, dyslipidemia, and depression. Older women had lower American Behavioral Acculturation subscale scores, higher Russian Behavioral Acculturation subscale scores, and higher depression scores. Length of residence was significantly correlated with American behavioral acculturation but not Russian behavioral acculturation. Baseline body mass index, both acculturation scores, and depression scores predicted Framingham Risk Scores after 1 year, but serum glucose did not. The results suggest that contrary to findings in other immigrant groups, women from the former Soviet Union may decrease their risk for coronary heart disease as they assume a more American lifestyle. Nursing interventions to address the high cardiovascular disease risk in this population are suggested.

[No Keywords available]

depression lifestyle longitudinal study Life Style regression analysis Cardiovascular Diseases human risk assessment Longitudinal Studies middle aged statistics obesity USSR Adaptation, Psychological Health Surveys ethnology nurse attitude United States Nurse's Role Humans cardiovascular disease Acculturation female risk factor Risk Factors adaptive behavior questionnaire cultural factor Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article Questionnaires hyperlipidemia adult migration Emigration and Immigration Hyperlipidemias attitude to health Midwestern United States health survey