Changes in food habits after migration among South Asians settled in Oslo: the effect of demographic, socio-economic and integration factors

Eating preferences and behaviors of older immigrants in Oslo: A qualitative study

Norway's population of older, first-generation immigrants is expected to almost triple by the year 2060 due to decreased mortality and continued immigration. Studies indicate that older immigrants in Norway have a higher rate of non-communicable disease than older non-immigrants. Eating a health-supporting diet is important for reducing disease risk and maintaining independence in older adults. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the eating preferences and behaviors of older, home-dwelling, first-generation immigrants in Oslo, and to identify influences on their eating preferences and behaviors. This qualitative study took a phenomenological approach to understand older immigrants' shared experience of changing eating behaviors with aging. Fourteen home-dwelling, older immigrants were recruited using a combination of purposeful random sampling and snowball sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted then analyzed according to reflexive thematic analysis. Study findings indicate that older immigrants eat a bi-cultural diet pattern. In addition, they seek out information about nutrition, and incorporate many health-supporting eating habits for disease management and prevention. In this way, older immigrants in Oslo share much in common with older non-immigrants. Hopes and worries for the future motivate older immigrants to eat more healthfully in order to maintain independence and cultural identity as long as possible. These results can be useful for designing culturally tailored programs which support eating habits for health maintenance and disease prevention among older immigrants.

Risk Factors Associated With General and Abdominal Obesity Among South Asian Minorities in Hong Kong

South Asians have become a sizable ethnic minority in Hong Kong with unique health and social needs often being overlooked. Elevated obesity risk among South Asians has been highlighted in high-income Western settings; however, relevant local evidence is scarce. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the obesity prevalence and related risk factors among South Asians in Hong Kong. Between June 2022 and February 2023, 535 South Asian adults were recruited via territory-wide health outreach services, and completed a survey and anthropometric measurements on height, weight, and waist circumference. In our female-dominated sample (84.1% female; mean age = 41.0 ± 12.3 years), the observed prevalence of general obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 for South Asians) and abdominal obesity (waist-to-height ratio [WHtR] > 50%) were 60.2% and 89.4%, respectively. Results from multivariable linear regressions showed that mean BMI and WHtR were significantly higher among women and Pakistani individuals (and Nepalese individuals for BMI only) but lower among better educated and employed respondents. Apart from age, household size, and marital status as common risk factors, having a healthier diet and higher physical activity level were also associated with lower WHtR. Notably, the associations of female gender and Pakistani ethnicity were attenuated after adjustments for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of obesity in South Asian participants in this study. The identified risk and protective factors could inform targeted services and community-based weight management programs to mitigate obesity and its associated cardiometabolic risks in this fast-growing but vulnerable community.

Metabolic Syndrome and Chronic Disease Risk in South Asian Immigrants: A Review of Prevalence, Factors, and Interventions

South Asians (SAs) are among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the U.S. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition that is characterized by multiple health factors that increase the risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. MetS prevalence among SA immigrants ranges from 27-47% in multiple cross-sectional studies using different diagnostic criteria, which is generally higher compared to other populations in the receiving country. Both genetic and environmental factors are attributed to this increased prevalence. Limited intervention studies have shown effective management of MetS conditions within the SA population. This review reports MetS prevalence in SAs residing in non-native countries, identifies contributing factors, and discusses ways to develop effective community-based strategies for health promotion targeting MetS among SA immigrants. There is a need for more consistently evaluated longitudinal studies to facilitate the development of directed public health policy and education to address chronic diseases in the SA immigrant community.

Post-migration food habits of New Zealand South Asian migrants: Implications for health promotion practice

Introduction

South Asian migrants in western countries have a high risk for diet related diseases post-migration. Hence knowledge on food habits that change post-migration, which are detrimental to health, are critical for health promotion initiatives to reduce this disease burden.

Objective

to describe food consumption changes post-migration according to sex and duration of residence in New Zealand among South Asian migrants.

Methods

A cross-sectional mail survey of 150 self-selected people of South Asian ethnicity aged 25-59 years in New Zealand.

Results

The study achieved responses from 112 participants (75%) with a mean age of 36 (7.5) years. Consumption of green leafy vegetables reduced post-migration for females and in new migrants (P < 0.05). Fruit consumption increased in both genders and across duration of residence (P < 0.05). Only 15% of males and 36% of females met the 3 + a day recommendation for vegetable consumption. Consumption of traditional breads, breakfast items and rice (males) decreased whilst that of breakfast cereals increased (P < 0.05). Consumption of low-fat milk, cheese, ice-cream, butter (females) and margarine increased, whilst ghee decreased (P < 0.05). Consumption of fish, lentils, traditional sweets and savouries decreased, whilst meat, processed meat, chicken, potato chips, cakes and pastries (females) and alcohol (males) increased (P < 0.05), post-migration. Thirty-three percent of males and 24% of females consumed takeaways "weekly or more often", with the majority (male: 51%; female: 36%) consuming European foods such as pizzas and pastas. Thirteen percent of males and 26% of females consumed festival foods "weekly or more often." More than half the participants were obese with BMI increasing with duration of residence (P = 0.025).

Conclusions

A food-based health promotion initiative focused on inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased consumption of dairy foods such as cheese and ice cream, and high fat European takeaway foods would be warranted particularly in new South Asian migrants.

Determinants of minimum dietary diversity of lactating mothers in rural northern region of Bangladesh: A community-based cross-sectional study

Background

Breastfeeding requires additional diversified foods for the nutritional requirements of mothers and children, especially in preventing micronutrient deficiencies. The minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) is a proxy indicator of micronutrient adequacy for women.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the determinants associated with MDD in lactating women.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among lactating mothers having at least one live birth in last three years from two districts of Bangladesh between 31^st May 2021 and 9^th June 2021. Dietary and socio-demographic information was obtained using a single 24-h recall and socio-economic status questionnaires. MDD was defined as at least four food groups consumed in the last 24 hours. In binary logistic regression, adjusted models were used to assess the relationship between MDD and socio-economic factors.

Results

The mean Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was 3.9 ± 1.2. The MDD was met by 29.7% of women. Respondent's ages 20-24 years [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9], 25-34 years [AOR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.8], and 35-49 years [AOR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9], husband's academic qualifications more than 12 years [AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.0-3.7], family income more than 15000 BDT per month [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2-4.3], and husband's profession as a day labor [AOR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.7] were significant factors to have MDD.

Conclusions

DDS and MDD were very poor among the mothers, whereas women's age, husband's education, and the family's monthly income were independent determinants of MDD. Special interventions may be needed to improve MDD.

Lifestyle risk factors and metabolic markers of cardiovascular diseases in Bangladeshi rural-to-urban male migrants compared with their non-migrant siblings: A sibling-pair comparative study

Background

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in developing countries like Bangladesh has been linked to progressive urbanisation. Comparisons of rural and urban populations often find a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in the urban population, but rural-to-urban migrants might have different CVD risk profiles than either rural or urban residents. This study aimed to describe differences in CVD risk factors between migrants and non-migrants siblings and to determine whether acculturation factors were associated with CVD risk factors among migrants.

Methods

Using a sibling-pair comparative study, 164 male migrant who migrated from Pirganj rural areas to Dhaka City and their rural siblings (total N = 328) were assessed by interview, anthropometric measurement, blood pressure and blood samples. Comparisons were made using linear or logistic mixed effects models.

Findings

Physical inactivity, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables and possible existence of a mental health disorder had 3.3 (1.73; 6.16), 4.3 (2.32; 7.92) and 2.9 (1.37; 6.27) times higher odds among migrants than their rural siblings, respectively. Migrants watched television on average 20 minutes (95% CI 6.17–35.08 min/day) more per day than the rural sibling group whereas PUFA intake, fruit and vegetable and fish intake of the migrants were -5.3 gm/day (-6.91; -3.70), -21.6 serving/week (-28.20; -15.09), -14.1 serving/week (-18.32; -9.87), respectively, lower than that of the rural siblings. No significant difference was observed for other variables. After adjusting, the risk of physical inactivity, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, a mental health disorder and low HDL were significantly higher in migrants than in rural siblings and tended to be higher for each increasing tertile of urban life exposure.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that migration from rural-to-urban environment increases CVD risk which exacerbate with time spent in urban area due to acculturation. This study gives new insights into the increased CVD risk related with migration and urbanization in Bangladesh.

Health risks among long-term immigrants in Norway with poor Norwegian language proficiency

BACKGROUND

Poor health among immigrants has been associated with longer duration of residence in the host country, poor host language proficiency and low education. However, the interplay among these factors is under-studied.

OBJECTIVE

To assess health among immigrants in Norway by combinations of duration of residence, Norwegian language proficiency and education.

METHODS

In 2015/2016 Statistics Norway carried out two cross-sectional Living Conditions Surveys in the general adult population (N=5703, response rate 59%) and among immigrants from 12 countries, with ⩾2 years of residence (N=3993, response rate 54%). Health outcomes (poor self-reported health, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, mental health problems, back/neck pain) were assessed with logistic regressions according to combinations of duration of residence, Norwegian language proficiency and education.

RESULTS

Negative health conditions were more common among immigrants than in the general population, and varied by duration of residence, proficiency in the Norwegian language and education. In age- and sex-adjusted regressions, immigrants had higher odds of all negative health conditions, except hypertension, regardless of their duration of residence, proficiency of the Norwegian language and educational level. Immigrants with a long duration of residence and poor proficiency in the Norwegian language had the highest odds of negative health conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Special attention is warranted towards health among immigrants who have lived in Norway the longest without acquiring good Norwegian language proficiency.

Could high heat cooking and food processing promoting neo-formed contaminants partially explain the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in South Asian populations? A hypothesis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The occurrence of chronic heart and kidney diseases among the South Asian populations has been rising exponentially over the years. Research has been carried out in the past to explain the increased susceptibility with no resultant strong evidence. Various possible causes have been suggested with a previous hypothesis suggestive of high heat cooking techniques being responsible for increased production of neo-formed contaminants such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and trans-fatty acids (TFAs) leading to increased chronic heart diseases among the South Asian diaspora (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka in South Asia and overseas). The aim of this study proposes the high-heating cooking techniques and subsequent NFCs also to be responsible for the development of chronic kidney ailments among the South Asians.

METHODS

Review of the literature was conducted to ascertain the burden of accumulation and actions of AGEs and TFAs on kidney structure and functions. The varied high-heat cooking techniques including reheating of oils, food processing and kinds of food sources and their association with increased NFCs production and kidney damage were explored.

RESULTS

Higher NFCs content of AGEs/TFAs in reheated oils at elevated temperatures and TFAs among processed and fast foods of South Asians was associated with elevated diabetic complications and CKDs progression in few animal and human studies but the research on the actual burden of NFCs in the renal tissues of South Asians was lacking.

CONCLUSION

We hypothesize the high heat cooked foods generating increased levels of NFCs to be responsible for the preponderance of higher risk of CKDs among South Asians. Scientific exploration of the hypothesis to obtain quantifiable evidence of NFCs is suggested.

Experiences of ethnic minority patients who are living with a primary chronic bowel condition: a systematic scoping review with narrative synthesis

Background

Prevalence of chronic gastrointestinal diseases has been rising amongst ethnic minority populations in Western countries, despite the first-generation migrants originating from countries of low prevalence. Differences caused by genetic, environmental, cultural, and religious factors in each context may contribute towards shaping experiences of ethnic minority individuals living with primary bowel conditions. This review aimed to explore the experiences of ethnic minority patients living with chronic bowel conditions.

Methods

We conducted a systematic scoping review to retrieve qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies from eight electronic databases, and manually searched reference lists of frequently cited papers.

Results

Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria: focussing on inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and coeliac disease. Core themes were narratively analysed. South Asians had limited understanding of inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease, hindered by language and literacy barriers, particularly for older generations, suggesting that culturally relevant information is needed. Family support was limited, and Muslim South Asians referred to religion to understand and self-manage inflammatory bowel disease. Ethnic minority groups across countries experienced: poor dietary intake for coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, cultural conflict in self-managing diet for inflammatory bowel disease which increased anxiety, and there was a need for better quality of, and access to, healthcare services. British ethnic minority groups experienced difficulties with IBD diagnosis/misdiagnosis.

Conclusions

Cultural, religious, and social contexts, together with language barriers and limited health literacy influenced experiences of health inequalities for ethnic minority patients living with chronic bowel diseases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-021-01857-8.

Midwives’ views and experiences of providing healthy eating advice to pregnant women: a qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews

Objective

To explore midwives’ views on how they provide healthy eating education to pregnant women after attending a healthy eating education workshop/webinar.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was utilized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the views and experiences of midwives on providing healthy eating education for pregnant women. A purposive sample of six midwives was interviewed face-to-face, and one was conducted by telephone interview. Data were analyzed through qualitative conventional content analysis.

Results

Midwives described their views and experiences of factors that impacted their role in providing healthy eating education. They identified three categories: perceived role of midwives, health literacy, and model of care.

Conclusions

Knowledge and confidence of midwives improved after attending the workshop/webinar on healthy eating education. Findings suggested that midwives perceived their role as important in providing nutrition education. However, time and resources were highlighted as challenges when providing healthy eating education for pregnant women. The availability of health literacy and model of care were significant factors in enabling midwives to adequately provide this education. Midwives acknowledged a need for further education in areas of vegan diet, cultural food preferences for ethnic minority groups, and regular updates on national healthy eating guidelines.

Food and Migration: Dietary Acculturation among Migrants to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a large migrant workforce particularly from North Africa, other Gulf states and South Asia. Migration influences food behavior; however, the change is not often health conducive. This study aimed to investigate the dietary acculturation among 880 migrants and their families in a large University in the Kingdoms’ capital city, Riyadh.

Associations of socio-demographic factors with adiposity among immigrants in Norway: a secondary data analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is becoming an important public health challenge, especially among immigrants coming from low and middle income to high-income countries. In this study we examined the relationship between overweight/obesity and various socio-demographic indicators among different immigrant groups in Norway.

METHODS

We used data from the Living Conditions Survey among Immigrants 2016, conducted by Statistics Norway. Our study sample included 4194 immigrants from 12 different countries. Participants were asked about a number of topics including health, weight, height, demographic factors, length of residence and employment. We ran logistic regression analysis to determine the odds ratio (OR) of the associations between socio-demographic factors with adiposity among immigrants.

RESULTS

Approximately 53% of the sample was overweight/obese. There was a significant difference in overweight/obesity by gender, age, country of origin and marital status. Overall immigrant men were almost 52% more likely to be overweight/obese than women. Women from Somalia had the highest odds (13.1; CI: 7.4-23.1) of being overweight/obese, followed by Iraq (8.6; CI: 4.9-14.9), Pakistan (7.5; CI: 4.2-13.4), Kosovo (7.0; CI: 4.1-12.1), and Turkey (6.8; CI: 4.0-11.6) as compared to the women from Vietnam (reference). Whereas men from Turkey had the highest odds (5.2; CI: (3.2-8.3)) of being overweight/obese, followed by Poland (4.2; CI: 2.7-6.1), Bosnia (4.1; CI: (2.6-6.5) and Kosovo (3.9; CI: 2.5-6.1). The odds for obesity increased with age and odds were highest in the eldest group 45-66 years (4.3; CI: 3.2-5.8) as compared to reference group16-24 years. The odds of being overweight/obese was higher among married (1.6; CI: 1.3-1.9) and divorced/separated/widowed (1.5; CI: 1.1-2.0) as compared to singles. Education, employment status, physical activity and length of residence were not associated with the odds of being overweight/obese.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study call attention to the importance of a greater understanding of the processes leading to obesity among certain immigrant groups in Norway. Moreover, there is a need for culturally adapted prevention strategies targeting immigrant men and women with high rates of overweight/obesity.

The workplace meal: a migrant workers' perspective

Purpose

Employees eat at least one meal per day in the workplace on a regular basis, carrying implications for their physical and emotional well-being. For migrants, this can be challenging, owing to food culture differences. This study explores migrant workers’ perceptions of the food eaten in the hospitality workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Eleven in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were carried out with migrant workers in three- and four-star hotels in the southwest of England.

Findings

The findings show that the food eaten in the workplace is perceived as unhealthy and fattening and therefore unappealing. This partly informs a decision to eat home country food away from work.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed across many more organisations to investigate whether this would actually have the positive impact on employee well-being (migrant or home national) and employer reputation.

Practical implications

Providing additional “off-menu” meals for migrant employees is recognised. However, staff turnover within the hotel environment may mean that dishes acceptable to one nationality may not be acceptable to another. Alternatively, it may be that attention to such details and the provision of a food offering that is seen as fit for purpose by staff may reduce turnover and demonstrate “care” on the part of the employer. An annual staff survey could be conducted to gauge employee opinion.

Social implications

This study helps to show the significance of food for migrant well-being. It highlights that in increasingly globalised workplaces, food provision is important for both emotional and physical health. The study's findings have relevance to other multicultural workplaces where the food provided to staff may have consequences for employee well-being.

Originality/value

Little research has focused on the link between the food consumed in the hospitality workplace and migrant worker well-being. This study therefore makes an important contribution to knowledge by exploring feelings about the food eaten at work from the perspective of migrant workers themselves.

Relationship between diet and acculturation among South Asian children living in Canada

INTRODUCTION

Diet and South Asian ethnicity are both associated with early onset of cardiovascular risk factors. Among youth of South Asian origin, little is known about the role of culture in determining healthy dietary patterns. We aimed to assess dietary patterns and their relationships with acculturation to Western and traditional lifestyles among South Asian youth in Canada.

METHODS

The Research in Cardiovascular Health - Lifestyles, Environments and Genetic Attributes in Children and Youth (RICH LEGACY) study targeted South Asian children and adolescents aged 7-8 and 14-15 years in two Canadian cities. In this cross-sectional study, acculturation questionnaires and food frequency questionnaires were administered to assess the correlations between Western and traditional culture scores, immigration status (generation and length of residency) in Canada and intake frequency of various foods.

RESULTS

Among 759 youth, those who ate fruits and vegetables more often consumed dairy and whole grains more often (all r = 0.17-0.22, all p < 0.001), while those who ate fast food more often consumed meat, sweets and sugared drinks more often (all r 0.24-0.38, all p < 0.001). Traditional culture scores were weakly positively correlated with whole grain intake frequency (r = 0.12, p = 0.001), and negatively with meat intake frequency (r = -0.14, p < 0.001). Western culture scores positively correlated with high intake frequency of meat (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), fast food (r = 0.14, p < 0.001) and sweets (r = 0.14, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Children who are more acculturated with Western lifestyle consumed foods associated with increased metabolic risk. However, whether this eating pattern translates into increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases needs to be further explored.

Food Knowledge and Migrant Families in Argentina

This article presents an analysis of different aspects of the migration process of a large group of people in Argentina, who originally come from the rural uplands (Jujuy Province) but who currently dwell in a lowlands peri-urban area (Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area). In particular, it presents some of the results of a long-term research project on food practices deployed in both geographical zones, which are united by a considerable migrant flow that intensified during the last three decades. From an anthropological perspective, it analyses the features of the nutritional transition of this social group regard to changes in its food knowledge and cultural heritage. It suggests that this qualitative factor can contribute to a better understanding of the health issues that have been faced by this group.

Keeping or changing? Two different cultural adaptation strategies in the domestic use of home country food plant and herbal ingredients among Albanian and Moroccan migrants in Northwestern Italy

BACKGROUND

Ethnobotanical field studies concerning migrant groups are crucial for understanding temporal changes of folk plant knowledge as well as for analyzing adaptation processes. Italy still lacks in-depth studies on migrant food habits that also evaluate the ingredients which newcomers use in their domestic culinary and herbal practices.

METHODS

Semi-structured and open in-depth interviews were conducted with 104 first- and second-generation migrants belonging to the Albanian and Moroccan communities living in Turin and Bra, NW Italy. The sample included both ethnic groups and genders equally.

RESULTS

While the number of plant ingredients was similar in the two communities (44 plant items among Albanians vs 47 plant items among Moroccans), data diverged remarkably on three trajectories: (a) frequency of quotation (a large majority of the ingredients were frequently or moderately mentioned by Moroccan migrants whereas Albanians rarely mentioned them as still in use in Italy); (b) ways through which the home country plant ingredients were acquired (while most of the ingredients were purchased by Moroccans in local markets and shops, ingredients used by Albanians were for the most part informally "imported" during family visits from Albania); (c) quantitative and qualitative differences in the plant reports mentioned by the two communities, with plant reports recorded in the domestic arena of Moroccans nearly doubling the reports recorded among Albanians and most of the plant ingredients mentioned by Moroccans representing "medicinal foods".

CONCLUSION

A large portion of the differences shown by the two communities are linked to different methods of procurement of home country gastronomic botanical ingredients, the different transnational informal exchanges that exist between Italy and migrants' home countries, the presence of markets and ethnic shops in Italy selling these items, and the different degree of difficulty in accessing public health services. The observed divergences were also clearly related to very diverse adaptation strategies, i.e., processes of negotiating and elaborating Albanian and Moroccan cultural identities.

Keeping or changing? Two different cultural adaptation strategies in the domestic use of home country food plant and herbal ingredients among Albanian and Moroccan migrants in Northwestern Italy

BACKGROUND

Ethnobotanical field studies concerning migrant groups are crucial for understanding temporal changes of folk plant knowledge as well as for analyzing adaptation processes. Italy still lacks in-depth studies on migrant food habits that also evaluate the ingredients which newcomers use in their domestic culinary and herbal practices.

METHODS

Semi-structured and open in-depth interviews were conducted with 104 first- and second-generation migrants belonging to the Albanian and Moroccan communities living in Turin and Bra, NW Italy. The sample included both ethnic groups and genders equally.

RESULTS

While the number of plant ingredients was similar in the two communities (44 plant items among Albanians vs 47 plant items among Moroccans), data diverged remarkably on three trajectories: (a) frequency of quotation (a large majority of the ingredients were frequently or moderately mentioned by Moroccan migrants whereas Albanians rarely mentioned them as still in use in Italy); (b) ways through which the home country plant ingredients were acquired (while most of the ingredients were purchased by Moroccans in local markets and shops, ingredients used by Albanians were for the most part informally "imported" during family visits from Albania); (c) quantitative and qualitative differences in the plant reports mentioned by the two communities, with plant reports recorded in the domestic arena of Moroccans nearly doubling the reports recorded among Albanians and most of the plant ingredients mentioned by Moroccans representing "medicinal foods".

CONCLUSION

A large portion of the differences shown by the two communities are linked to different methods of procurement of home country gastronomic botanical ingredients, the different transnational informal exchanges that exist between Italy and migrants' home countries, the presence of markets and ethnic shops in Italy selling these items, and the different degree of difficulty in accessing public health services. The observed divergences were also clearly related to very diverse adaptation strategies, i.e., processes of negotiating and elaborating Albanian and Moroccan cultural identities.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Immigrants in Portugal: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to compare adequate fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake between immigrants and natives in Portugal, and to analyse factors associated with consumption of F&V among immigrants. Data from a population based cross-sectional study (2014) was used. The final sample comprised 17,410 participants (≥20 years old), of whom 7.4% were immigrants. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression models were conducted to investigate the association between adequate F&V intake, sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle characteristics. Adequate F&V intake was more prevalent among immigrants (21.1% (95% CI: 19.0–23.4)) than natives (18.5% (95% CI: 17.9–19.1)), (p = 0.000). Association between migrant status and adequate F&V intake was only evident for men: immigrants were less likely to achieve an adequate F&V intake (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.66–0.68) when compared to Portuguese. Among immigrants, being female, older, with a higher education, and living in a low urbanisation area increased the odds of having F&V consumption closer to the recommendations. Adjusting for other factors, length of residence appears as a risk factor (15 or more years vs. 0–9 years: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.50–0.53), (p = 0.000) for adequate F&V intake. Policies aiming to promote adequate F&V consumption should consider both populations groups, and gender-based strategies should address proper sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle determinants.

Dietary intake and habits of South Asian immigrants living in Western countries

Previous reviews have indicated that immigration from South Asian to Western countries leads to unhealthy changes in diet; however, these reviews have been limited by the methods used in some included studies. This critical narrative review summarizes findings from original research articles that performed appropriate statistical analyses on diet data obtained using culturally appropriate diet assessment measures. All studies quantitatively compared the diets of South Asian immigrants with those of residents of Western or South Asian countries or with those of South Asian immigrants who had varying periods of time since immigration. Most studies examined total energy and nutrient intake among adults. Total energy intake tended to decrease with increasing duration of residence and immigrant generation, and immigrants consumed less protein and monounsaturated fat compared with Westerners. However, findings for intakes of carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and micronutrients were mixed. Studies that examine food group intake and include South Asians living in South Asia as a comparison population are needed.

Dietary diversity and nutritional adequacy among married Filipino immigrant women: The Filipino Women's Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL)

Background

Migration has an influence on health behavior and food intake. Dietary variety is a key component to high-quality diets because a single food item does not contain a variety of nutrients and may not reflect nutritional adequacy. We aimed to compare the dietary diversity scores (DDS), food variety scores (FVS), and nutrient adequacy levels of married Filipino immigrant women in Korea to those of Korean women.

Methods

We matched the data of 474 participants aged 20-57 years from the Filipino Women’s Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL) by age category with those of married Korean women randomly selected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Dietary information in FiLWHEL and KNHANES were assessed through the 24-hour recall method. We calculated the DDS by summing the number of eleven food groups consumed (DDS 10 g if they consumed at least 10 g/day; DDS all if they consumed any amount) and the FVS by counting the number of food items consumed. For nutrient adequacy, we calculated the probability of adequacy (PA) and intake below the estimated average requirement (EAR).

Results

Filipino women had a lower DDS and FVS in comparison to Korean women. The means (±SDs) of DDS 10 g, DDS all, and FVS for Filipino women versus Korean women were 6.0 (±1.6) versus 6.8 (±1.5) (p < 0.001), 6.7 (±1.7) versus 7.9 (±1.4) (p < 0.001) and 9.2 (±3.3) versus 14.7 (±4.9) (p < 0.001), respectively. When we compared each food group, the intakes of fish, other seafood, legumes/seeds/nuts, eggs, vegetables, and fruits were lower for Filipino women than for Korean women. The mean probability of adequacy (MPA) of nutrient intake of the nine selected nutrients was lower for Filipino women in comparison to Korean women. The mean (±SD) was 0.55 (±0.28) versus 0.66 (±0.26), respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that married Filipino immigrant women in Korea had lower dietary variety scores in comparison to Korean women. This was reflected in their nutritional adequacy. Nutrition education focusing on the promotion of eating a variety of foods may be needed for Filipino immigrant women in Korea.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5233-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Does the impact of a plant-based diet during pregnancy on birth weight differ by ethnicity? A dietary pattern analysis from a prospective Canadian birth cohort alliance

OBJECTIVE

Birth weight is an indicator of newborn health and a strong predictor of health outcomes in later life. Significant variation in diet during pregnancy between ethnic groups in high-income countries provides an ideal opportunity to investigate the influence of maternal diet on birth weight.

SETTING

Four multiethnic birth cohorts based in Canada (the NutriGen Alliance).

PARTICIPANTS

3997 full-term mother-infant pairs of diverse ethnic groups who had principal component analysis-derived diet pattern scores-plant-based, Western and health-conscious-and birth weight data.

RESULTS

No associations were identified between the Western and health-conscious diet patterns and birth weight; however, the plant-based dietary pattern was inversely associated with birth weight (β=-67.6 g per 1-unit increase; P<0.001), and an interaction with non-white ethnicity and birth weight was observed. Ethnically stratified analyses demonstrated that among white Europeans, maternal consumption of a plant-based diet associated with lower birth weight (β=-65.9 g per 1-unit increase; P<0.001), increased risk of small-for-gestational age (SGA; OR=1.46; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.54;P=0.005) and reduced risk of large-for-gestational age (LGA; OR=0.71; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.95;P=0.02). Among South Asians, maternal consumption of a plant-based diet associated with a higher birth weight (β=+40.5 g per 1-unit increase; P=0.01), partially explained by cooked vegetable consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal consumption of a plant-based diet during pregnancy is associated with birth weight. Among white Europeans, a plant-based diet is associated with lower birth weight, reduced odds of an infant born LGA and increased odds of SGA, whereas among South Asians living in Canada, a plant-based diet is associated with increased birth weight.

Health-Related Quality of Life, Subjective Health Complaints, Psychological Distress and Coping in Pakistani Immigrant Women With and Without the Metabolic Syndrome : The InnvaDiab-DEPLAN Study on Pakistani Immigrant Women Living in Oslo, Norway

The increasingly high number of immigrants from South-East Asia with The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is an important challenge for the public health sector. Impaired glucose is essential in MetS. The blood glucose concentration is not only governed by diet and physical activity, but also by psychological distress which could contribute to the development of MetS. The aim of this study is to describe health-related quality of life, subjective health complaints (SHC), psychological distress, and coping in Pakistani immigrant women, with and without MetS. As a part of an randomized controlled intervention study in Oslo, Norway, female Pakistani immigrants (n = 198) answered questionnaires regarding health related quality of life, SHC, psychological distress, and coping. Blood variables were determined and a standardized oral glucose tolerance test was performed. The participants had a high score on SHC and psychological distress. About 40% of the participants had MetS, and this group showed significantly lower general health, lower physical function, and more bodily pain, than those without MetS. Those with MetS also had more SHC, depressive symptoms, higher levels of somatisation, and scored significantly lower on the coping strategy of active problem solving. Pakistani immigrant women seem to have a high prevalence of SHC and psychological distress, especially those with MetS.

Perceived impact of Nepalese food and food culture in diabetes

Consuming a healthy diet forms an important component of diabetes management; however, adhering to a healthy diet is challenging. Dietary behaviour is often guided by socio-cultural, environmental and emotional factors, and not necessarily by physical and nutritional needs. This study explored Nepalese patients' perceptions of the impact of diet, diet management requirement for diabetes and how Nepalese food culture in particular influenced diet management. Interviews were conducted with Nepalese participants with type 2 diabetes in Sydney and Kathmandu; and data was thematically analysed. Diet was recognized as a cause of, and a key treatment modality, in diabetes. Besides doctors, participants in Nepal received a large amount of dietary information from the community. Dietary changes formed a major component of lifestyle modifications adopted after diagnosis, and mostly consisted of removal of foods with added sugar and foods with high total sugar content from the diet, and a reduction in overall quantity of foods consumed. Perceived dietary restriction requirements created social and emotional discomfort to patients. Most participants perceived the Nepalese food culture as a barrier to effective diet management. Meals high in carbohydrates, limited food choices, and food preparation methods were identified as barriers, particularly in Nepal. In Australia, participants reported greater availability and easier access to appropriate food, and healthier cooking options. The socio-cultural aspects of food behaviour, mainly, food practices during social events were identified as significant barriers. Although diet was acknowledged as an important component of diabetes care, and most adopted changes in their diet post-diagnosis, effective and sustained changes were difficult to achieve. Future public health campaigns and education strategies should focus on improving diet knowledge, awareness of food options for diabetes, and effective dietary management.

Dietary assessment in minority ethnic groups: a systematic review of instruments for portion-size estimation in the United Kingdom

Context

Dietary assessment in minority ethnic groups is critical for surveillance programs and for implementing effective interventions. A major challenge is the accurate estimation of portion sizes for traditional foods and dishes.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to assess records published up to 2014 describing a portion-size estimation element (PSEE) applicable to the dietary assessment of UK-residing ethnic minorities.

Data sources, selection, and extraction

Electronic databases, internet sites, and theses repositories were searched, generating 5683 titles, from which 57 eligible full-text records were reviewed.

Data analysis

Forty-two publications about minority ethnic groups (n = 20) or autochthonous populations (n = 22) were included. The most common PSEEs (47%) were combination tools (eg, food models and portion-size lists), followed by portion-size lists in questionnaires/guides (19%) and image-based and volumetric tools (17% each). Only 17% of PSEEs had been validated against weighed data.

Conclusions

When developing ethnic-specific dietary assessment tools, it is important to consider customary portion sizes by sex and age, traditional household utensil usage, and population literacy levels. Combining multiple PSEEs may increase accuracy, but such methods require validation.

Effectiveness of a Group-Based Culturally Tailored Lifestyle Intervention Program on Changes in Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes among Asian Indians in the United States

This study used an experimental, pretest-posttest control group repeated measures design to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based culturally appropriate lifestyle intervention program to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among Gujarati Asian Indians (AIs) in an urban community in the US. Participants included 70 adult AIs in the greater Houston metropolitan area. The primary outcomes were reduction in weight and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and improvement in physical activity. Participants were screened for risk factors and randomly assigned to a 12-week group-based lifestyle intervention program (n = 34) or a control group (n = 36) that received standard print material on diabetes prevention. Participants also completed clinical measures and self-reported questionnaires about physical activity, social, and lifestyle habits at 0, 3, and 6 months. No significant baseline differences were noted between groups. While a significant decline in weight and increase in physical activity was observed in all participants, the intervention group lowered their HbA1c (p < 0.0005) and waist circumference (p = 0.04) significantly as compared to the control group. Findings demonstrated that participation in a culturally tailored, lifestyle intervention program in a community setting can effectively reduce weight, waist circumference, and HbA1c among Gujarati AIs living in the US.

Filipino women's diet and health study (FiLWHEL): design and methods

BACKGROUND

Immigration to South Korea from neighboring Asian countries has risen dramatically, primarily due to marriage between Korean men and foreign women. Although Filipino women rank fourth among married immigrant women, little is known about the health condition of this population. This manuscript focuses on the design and methods of Filipino women's diet and health study (FiLWHEL).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

FiLWHEL is a cohort of Filipino women married to Korean men, aged 19 years old or over. The data collection comprised three parts: questionnaire, physical examination, and biospecimen collection. Questionnaires focused on demographic factors, diet, other health-related behaviors, acculturation and immigration-related factors, medical history, quality of life, and children's health information. Participants visited the recruitment site and answered the structured questionnaires through a face-to-face interview. We also measured their anthropometric features and collected fasting blood samples, toenails, and DNA samples. Recruitment started in 2014.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Collection of data is ongoing, and we plan to prospectively follow our cohort participants. We expect that our study, which is focused on married Filipino women immigrants, can elucidate nutritional/health status and the effects of transitional experiences from several lifestyle factors.

Food consumption patterns of Balearic Islands' adolescents depending on their origin

Over the last decade, the immigrant population of the Balearic Islands archipelago (Spain), in the Mediterranean, has risen to 22% of its total population. The aim of this study was to assess food consumption patterns among Balearic Islands' adolescents depending on their origin. A population-based cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in the Balearic Islands (2007-2008; n = 1,231; 12-17 years old). Dietary assessment was based on a 145-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Food consumption differences between the adolescents' point of origin and time of arrival were been studied, as well as average daily meals and snacks. The adolescents' origin and number of years living in the Balearic Islands were also assessed. Native adolescents and immigrants from other Mediterranean countries showed healthier food consumption patterns than their peers from non-Mediterranean countries. Immigrant adolescents adapted their eating patterns to native dietary patterns increasingly, the longer they lived in the Balearic Islands.

Recommended Dietary Pattern to Achieve Adherence to the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) Guidelines: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

In 2013, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology published the “Guideline on Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk,” which was based on a systematic review originally initiated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The guideline supports the American Heart Association’s 2020 Strategic Impact Goals for cardiovascular health promotion and disease reduction by providing more specific details for adopting evidence-based diet and lifestyle behaviors to achieve those goals. In addition, the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans issued updated evidence relevant to reducing cardiovascular risk and provided additional recommendations for adopting healthy diet and lifestyle approaches. This scientific statement, intended for healthcare providers, summarizes relevant scientific and translational evidence and offers practical tips, tools, and dietary approaches to help patients/clients adapt these guidelines according to their sociocultural, economic, and taste preferences.

Immigration and dietary patterns in South Asian Canadians at risk for diabetes

AIM

To examine the relationship between immigration and dietary patterns among South Asian adults at risk for diabetes and living in Canada.

METHODS

We recruited 428 South Asian adults affiliated with Sikh and Hindu temples in Metro Vancouver. Of the total sample, 422 completed self-report surveys including demographic background information, and two brief food screeners (fruit/vegetable/fiber intake and fat intake). Food screeners were culturally tailored to include traditional foods consumed in the South Asian community.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regressions examined the relationship between diet and immigration. All models were adjusted for age, sex, marital status, education, income, and employment. Participants reported low levels of meat, fruit and vegetable consumption. Intake of whole milk products, traditional South Asian desserts and snacks were relatively high in comparison to other fat-containing food items. Specific trends in diet were seen in relation to time following immigration with the longer duration of years living in Canada the greater consumption of fruit/vegetable/fiber, non-starchy vegetables, total fat and meat reported; and lower intake of whole milk.

CONCLUSION

Acculturation appears to influence some dietary patterns in our sample of South Asian Canadian adults. These findings should be considered when designing culturally tailored lifestyle modification interventions for this community.

DIET QUALITY OF MOROCCAN ADOLESCENTS LIVING IN MOROCCO AND IN SPAIN

Intra-population socioeconomic changes and migration are powerful factors in changing eating habits. Changes in eating habits could affect the nutritional status, growth, development and health of adolescents. The aim of this study was to compare the diet of adolescents of Moroccan origin living in Spain with that of adolescents living in Morocco. The sample comprised 428 Moroccan adolescents aged from 12 to 19 recruited in high schools: 327 living in Ouarzazate (Morocco) and 101 living in Madrid (Spain). The variables studied were energy intake (kcal/day), diet quality indicators (adherence to the Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI); cholesterol intake (mg/day); fibre intake (g/day) and energy profile)); and indicators of keeping traditional customs (halalmeat consumption, bread made at home). Teenagers from Morocco living in Madrid consumed more calories, proteins, saturated fats and simple sugars (p<0.001) than those living in Morocco. Their diet was of lower quality than that of their peers in Morocco. This difference was more marked in boys than in girls. Changes in eating habits associated with migration from the south to the north Mediterranean basin can benefit young migrants in an immediate way (through greater availability of energy and nutrients), but later in life it could have negative consequences for their health, increasing the risk of overweight, obesity and cardiovascular and metabolic problems.

Dietary acculturation among the South-Asian Surinamese population in the Netherlands: the HELIUS study

OBJECTIVE

To test Koctürk's model of dietary change among South-Asian Surinamese in the Netherlands. The model categorizes foods into staple, complementary and accessory foods and postulates that dietary change after migration begins with accessory foods while foods associated with ethnic identity (staple foods) change at a slower rate.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data from the HELIUS study. Dietary intake was assessed with an FFQ. Acculturation was based on social contacts and sense of belonging and was translated into four strategies of acculturation: assimilation, integration, separation and marginalization. Other indicators of acculturation included residence duration, age at migration and migration generation status.

SETTING

Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

Participants of Dutch (n 1456) and South-Asian Surinamese origin (n 968).

RESULTS

Across all acculturation strategies, South-Asian Surinamese participants reported significantly higher intakes of rice (staple food) and chicken (complementary food) and significantly lower intakes of red meat and vegetables (complementary foods) and cookies and sweets (accessory food) than Dutch participants. Men, second-generation and assimilated South-Asian Surinamese were inclined towards Dutch foods such as potato, pasta and red meat. Accessory foods like fruits showed variation across acculturation strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with the Koctürk model, the intake of staple foods was stable among South-Asian Surinamese irrespective of acculturation strategy while the intake of accessory foods like fruit varied. Contrary to expectations, South-Asian Surinamese showed consistently high intakes of complementary foods like chicken and fish irrespective of acculturation strategy. Public health practitioners should take into consideration the complex and dynamic nature of dietary acculturation.

Dietary intakes among South Asian adults differ by length of residence in the USA

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether nutrient and food intakes among South Asian adult immigrants differ by length of residence in the USA.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis to examine differences in nutrient and food intakes by length of residence in the USA. Dietary data were collected using an interviewer-administered, culturally appropriate FFQ, while self-reported length of residence was assessed using a questionnaire and modelled as tertiles.

SETTING

The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study.

SUBJECTS

Eight hundred and seventy-four South Asians (mean age=55 (sd 9) years; 47 % women; range of length of residence in the USA=2-58 years), part of the baseline examination of the MASALA study.

RESULTS

Intakes of fat, including saturated and trans fats, dietary cholesterol and n-6 fatty acids, were directly associated with length of residence, while intakes of energy, carbohydrate, glycaemic index and load, protein, dietary fibre, folate and K were inversely associated with length of residence (P trend <0·05). A longer length of residence in the USA was also associated with higher intakes of alcoholic beverages, mixed dishes including pizza and pasta, fats and oils, and lower intakes of beans and lentils, breads, grains and flour products, milk and dairy products, rice, starchy vegetables and sugar, candy and jam (P for differences across groups <0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

Length of residence in the USA influences diet and nutrient intakes among South Asian adult immigrants and should be considered when investigating and planning dietary interventions to mitigate chronic disease risk.

Diabetes and associated complications in the South Asian population

The rising prevalence of diabetes in South Asians has significant health and economic implications. South Asians are predisposed to the development of diabetes due to biologic causes which are exacerbated by lifestyle and environmental factors. Furthermore, they experience significant morbidity and mortality from complications of diabetes, most notably coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology and genetics of diabetes risk factors and its associated complications in South Asians is paramount to curbing the diabetes epidemic. With this understanding, the appropriate screening, preventative and therapeutic strategies can be implemented and further developed. In this review, we discuss in detail the biologic and lifestyle factors that predispose South Asians to diabetes and review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes in South Asians. We also review the ongoing and completed diabetes prevention and management studies in South Asians.

Global epidemiology of obesity, vegetarian dietary patterns, and noncommunicable disease in Asian Indians

An increase in noncommunicable disease (NCD) in India has been attributed to an epidemiologic transition whereby, due to urbanization, there is an increase in traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors such as obesity. Accumulated biomarker data on the "Asian Indian phenotype" identify central obesity, which occurs at a lower body mass index (BMI), as a particularly potent risk factor in Asian Indians. A revised WHO case definition for obesity in India [BMI (in kg/m(2)) >25] has identified an obesity epidemic that exceeds 30% in some cities and rivals that in Western nations. This review summarizes 2 key lines of evidence: 1) the emergence of an obesity epidemic in urban and rural India and its contribution to the NCD burden and 2) the role of a "nutrition transition" in decreasing the whole plant food content of diets in India and increasing risk of obesity and NCDs. We then present new epidemiologic evidence from Asian Indians enrolled in the Adventist Health Study 2 that raises the possibility of how specific whole plant foods (eg, nuts) in a vegetarian dietary pattern could potentially prevent obesity and NCDs in a target population of >1 billion persons.

Trajectories of dietary change and the social context of migration: a qualitative study

The aim of this article was to explore the influence of migration on changes in dietary practices, relating these changes to the social contexts in which they occur. Numerous studies have described how migration from poor countries and regions to more developed ones leads migrants to adopt a modern diet associated to the risk of acquiring chronic diseases. However, different contexts might influence dietary change in migrants in diverse ways. For this purpose, 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult, female internal migrants to a border city in Mexico. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed trajectories of dietary change to be associated to social position before and after migration. For the participants from rural areas, migration was accompanied by an increase in the consumption of processed foods, and also changes in food insecurity. Migrants who came from urban areas reported a decrease in the perceived quality of food available to them, but their eating pattern was modified only slightly. For some interviewees, migration resulted in the possibility to choose what to eat in a more autonomous way. We discuss how the effect of migration on dietary changes can be manifold, and the necessity to delve into how social context influences these changes.

The association between acculturation and dietary patterns of South Asian immigrants

Dietary acculturation, specifically the adoption of western dietary habits, may result in adverse health effects such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the role of acculturation in dietary patterns as well as awareness and knowledge of healthy nutrition among South Asian immigrants. This is an especially important population to target as South Asians have higher prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which may be magnified with immigration. The current investigation is a sub-study of the Multi-Cultural Community Health Assessment Trial (M-CHAT). There were 207 participants of South Asian origin included in the initial study, 129 were born outside of Canada and had immigrated after the age of 18. The length of residence in Canada was used as a marker for acculturation. A questionnaire addressing perceived changes in dietary patterns, food preparation, and nutrition knowledge and awareness since immigration was used to assess dietary practices. The association between length of residence and variables related to perceived changes in dietary patterns was explored with Spearman correlation and significant associations were subsequently analyzed with ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, education and body mass index. South Asian immigrants in Canada reported a variety of positive dietary practices, including an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and an improvement in food preparation (including an increase in grilling and a decrease in deep frying when cooking). However, there was a reported increase in the consumption of convenience foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, red meat and in dining out. South Asian immigrants in Canada reported a variety of positive dietary practices including an improvement in food preparation. Future health promotion strategies should encourage cultural sensitivity in efforts to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverage, convenience foods and to encourage eating at home rather than dining out.

Personal networks: a tool for gaining insight into the transmission of knowledge about food and medicinal plants among Tyrolean (Austrian) migrants in Australia, Brazil and Peru

BACKGROUND

Investigations into knowledge about food and medicinal plants in a certain geographic area or within a specific group are an important element of ethnobotanical research. This knowledge is context specific and dynamic due to changing ecological, social and economic circumstances. Migration processes affect food habits and the knowledge and use of medicinal plants as a result of adaptations that have to be made to new surroundings and changing environments. This study analyses and compares the different dynamics in the transmission of knowledge about food and medicinal plants among Tyrolean migrants in Australia, Brazil and Peru.

METHODS

A social network approach was used to collect data on personal networks of knowledge about food and medicinal plants among Tyroleans who have migrated to Australia, Brazil and Peru and their descendants. A statistical analysis of the personal network maps and a qualitative analysis of the narratives were combined to provide insight into the process of transmitting knowledge about food and medicinal plants.

RESULTS

56 personal networks were identified in all (food: 30; medicinal plants: 26) across all the field sites studied here. In both sets of networks, the main source of knowledge is individual people (food: 71%; medicinal plants: 68%). The other sources mentioned are print and audiovisual media, organisations and institutions. Personal networks of food knowledge are larger than personal networks of medicinal plant knowledge in all areas of investigation. Relatives play a major role as transmitters of knowledge in both domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Human sources, especially relatives, play an important role in knowledge transmission in both domains. Reference was made to other sources as well, such as books, television, the internet, schools and restaurants. By taking a personal network approach, this study reveals the mode of transmission of knowledge about food and medicinal plants within a migrational context.

Changing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: environmental influences and lessons learnt from the South asian population

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract associated with significant morbidity. While IBD occurs in genetically susceptible individuals, the etiology is multifactorial, involving environmental influences, intestinal dysbiosis, and altered immune responses. The rising incidence of IBD in industrialized countries and the emergence of IBD in countries with traditionally low prevalence underscore the importance of environmental influences in the pathobiology of the disease. Moreover the high incidence of IBD observed in the South Asian immigrant population in the United Kingdom and Canada further supports the influence of environmental factors.