Behavioral Research on Acculturation and moderating and mediating Variables Observed Specifically among Latinos: BRAVOS Abstract/Project Summary: Low-income Latino children are disproportionately affected by obesity. It is estimated that 15.6% of Latino children age 2-5 years old are obese. By preschool, Latino children (2-5 years old) are 3 times more likely to be obese compared to non-Latino white children. Preventing obesity in childhood can reduce risk for adult comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. A possible influence on obesity risk among Latinos is acculturation, the process of cultural and psychological change that takes place as a result of contact between two or more cultural groups and their individual members. There is a need to understand the impact of acculturation on obesity as well as the likely mediators and moderators of this association such as dietary behavior. One important dietary determinant of obesity is the daily fruit and vegetable intake (FVI). A majority of the existing evidence among Latino preschool-aged children (PSAC) is cross-sectional. Evidence suggests that increasing acculturation to the US reduces FVI. New technology that uses reflection spectroscopy on skin to measure carotenoids non-invasively, is a promising tool to easily and reliably detect carotenoid biomarkers that is quicker than 24-hour recalls. The longitudinal mechanisms through which parent acculturation affects the FVI, and Body Mass Index (BMI) of their PSAC is understudied. We will employ a longitudinal study design guided by Social Cognitive Theory, utilizing Community-Based Participatory Research principles, and leveraging an existing partnership between UNLV and Research, Education, Access to Community Health (REACH). Nevada is the ideal setting for this study as nearly half of Latino kindergarteners (48.3%) are overweight or obese. We will recruit a cohort of 251 Latino parents and their PSAC and follow them longitudinally for three years. The specific aims are to: 1) Examine the longitudinal association of parental acculturation with child outcomes: fruit and vegetable intake, and BMI z-score, 2) Test the feasibility and acceptability of skin carotenoid biomarker measurement among young Latino children, 3) Evaluate carotenoid biomarkers and their association with FVI via 24-hour recalls among Latino parents as proxy reporters for their children. This R16 award will accelerate Dr. Johansen's program of research on parental determinants of their PSACs obesity risk, develop his expertise in conducting longitudinal studies and support his training of diverse UNLV undergraduates in health disparities research. Results from this project will be used to develop a culturally relevant pilot intervention involving Latinx PSAC, which will inform the development of an expanding program of research eligible for R01-level support.