Dietary Behaviors of African Immigrants with Diabetes and Hypertension
Author Information
Author(s): Osokpo Onome, Lewis Lisa, Bracy Danny, Adeniji Dolapo, Bankole Ayomide, Riegel Barbara
Primary Institution: University of Illinois Chicago
Hypothesis
Social determinants influence dietary behaviors of African immigrants living with diabetes and/or hypertension based on their level of acculturation.
Conclusion
Less-acculturated African immigrants tend to eat more traditional foods and avoid processed American foods compared to more-acculturated immigrants.
Supporting Evidence
- Less-acculturated immigrants regularly ate more traditional foods and avoided processed foods.
- More-acculturated participants ate fruits regularly and avoided red meat.
- Cultural dietary preferences significantly influenced food choices among participants.
Takeaway
This study found that African immigrants with diabetes and hypertension eat differently based on how much they have adapted to American culture.
Methodology
Descriptive qualitative study with a purposive sample of self-identified sub-Saharan African immigrant adults.
Participant Demographics
Mainly Nigerian (75%), 67% male, mean age 59 years, highly educated, employed, and financially stable.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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