Acculturation Factors and Metabolic Syndrome Among Japanese-Brazilian Men in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

This study examines the acculturation effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS), and its related factors, among immigrant Japanese-Brazilian men in Japan. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were utilized. In the quantitative study (n = 149), multiple logistic regression analyses estimated the impact of length of residence and arrival age on MetS. For the qualitative study, five focus group discussions were conducted with participants (n = 26) from the quantitative study sample. The oldest arrival age group was more likely to have MetS (OR, 95 % CI 4.41, 1.09–17.78) after adjusting for covariates; whereas, length of residence had no association with MetS. The oldest arrival age group, with shorter residence period, was also associated with increased MetS prevalence. Qualitative results identified participants’ Brazilian dietary habits as being potential risk factors for MetS. Japanese-Brazilian immigrant men with older arrival age in Japan were more likely to suffer from MetS, especially shortly after arrival.