Assessing mediators between discrimination, health behaviours and physical health outcomes: a representative cross-sectional study

摘要: Discrimination is a social determinant of health; however, the pathways linking discrimination to ill-health are under-researched. This study investigated mediators through which affects health behaviours and physical outcomes, as well assessed whether sex moderated these mechanisms. Data from representative survey (n = 1023) undergraduate students enrolled in Brazilian university 2012 were used. Structural equation models applied assess following mediation mechanisms—(1) influences self-rated body mass index via anxiety/depression; (2) (alcohol consumption, problem drinking, smoking, fruit/vegetable activity) discomfort associated with discriminatory experiences. The potential act an effect-modifying variable was also explored each postulated pathways. effect on poor totally (100.0 %) mediated by anxiety/depression, while not correlated discrimination. Self-reported some discomfort. Particularly, partially positive association between discrimination, leisure time activity (43.3 %), consumption (52.2 %). Sex modified that such mechanism (more discrimination → more discomfort → more statistically significant entire sample among females, but males. one first studies demonstrate outcomes distinct Future investigations should further explicate mediational key outcomes.