Using the Revised Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans (ARSMA-II) with Older Adults

Hisp Health Care Int. 2010 Mar 1;8(1):14-22. doi: 10.1891/1540-4153.8.1.14.

Abstract

Projections for the year 2030 show that Latinos are expected to make the largest population increase. Cultural values create expectation levels about what will happen to the elderly. Acculturation is a concept that has been studied extensively, yet the relationship between age and acculturation has not been a focus of study. The present study has proposed an alternate way of scoring the ARSMA-II based on receiver operating characteristics. Specifically, this approach looks at participants' responses to two individual items to determine the level of acculturation of the older adults. It is a quicker method and one that could save healthcare providers a great deal of time as well as help them better understand their clients' level of acculturation; thus, being able to provide the appropriate educational materials.