Examining Generalizability across Different Surveys: Comparing Nutrient-Based Food Patterns and Their Cross-Sectional Associations with Cardiometabolic Health in the United States Hispanic/Latino Adults

Ethnicity, cultural background, and geographic location differ significantly within the United States Hispanic/Latino population. These variations can greatly define diet and its relationship with cardiometabolic disease, thus influencing generalizability of results. We aimed to examine nutrient-based food patterns (NBFPs) of Hispanic/Latino adults and their association with cardiometabolic risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, diabetes) across 2 United States population-based studies with differing sampling strategies. Data were collected from Mexican or other Hispanic adult participants from 2007–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n = 3605) and 2007–2011 Hispanic Community Health Survey/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL, n = 14,416). NBFPs were derived using factor analysis on nutrient intake data estimated from 24-h dietary recalls and interpreted using common foods in which these nutrients are prominent. Cross-sectional associations between NBFPs (quintiles) and cardiometabolic risk factors, defined by clinical measures and self-report, were estimated using survey-weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic models, accounting for multiple testing. Five NBFPs were identified in both studies: 1) meats, 2) grains/legumes, 3) fruits/vegetables, 4) dairy, and 5) fats/oils. Associations with cardiometabolic risk factors differed by NBFP and study. In HCHS/SOL, the odds of diabetes were lower for persons in the highest quintile of meats NBFP (odds ratio [OR]: 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58, 0.92) and odds were higher for those in the lowest quintile of fruits/vegetables (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.93) compared to those in the third (moderate intake) quintile. Those in the fourth quintile of dairy NBFP had higher odds of hypertension than those in the third quintile (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.70). In NHANES, the odds of hypertension were higher for those in the fourth quintile of dairy (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.24) than those in the third quintile. Diet–disease relationships among Hispanic/Latino adults vary according to 2 population-based studies. These differences have research and practical implications when generalizing inferences on heterogeneous underrepresented populations.