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Dualle MA, Robinette LM, Hatsu IE. Food Related Challenges and Mental Health Among U.S. African Migrants: A Narrative Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2024; 26:371-384. [PMID: 37400706 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01512-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The United States' (US) African immigrant (AI) population is growing, yet they are underrepresented in health and nutrition research. This population experiences difficulties finding culturally appropriate foods and navigating the US food environment (FE), is highly food insecure (FI), and vulnerable to mental disorders. This review examined the current evidence for AIs' food and mental health outcomes and connections; and identified gaps in the literature and future research opportunities. A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS. Twenty-one studies were identified, reporting high (37-85%) FI rates, poor diet quality, and increased risk of mental disorders among participants. Challenges in the FE, lack of transportation, limited access to ethnic foods, low SES, and language barriers were associated with FI and poor diet quality. Similarly, discrimination, substance use, and immigration status were associated with depression and anxiety. However, studies examining the connection between AI's food experience and mental health are lacking. AIs are at a higher risk for FI, poor diet quality, and mental disorders. Ethnic-specific research to understand the connection between their food and mental health is needed to reduce nutrition and mental health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryan A Dualle
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lisa M Robinette
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Irene E Hatsu
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- College of Education and Human Ecology, Department of Human Sciences | Human Nutrition Program, 341 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Dietary Complex and Slow Digestive Carbohydrates Promote Bone Mass and Improve Bone Microarchitecture during Catch-Up Growth in Rats. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061303. [PMID: 35334960 PMCID: PMC8951765 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Catch-up growth is a process that promotes weight and height gains to recover normal growth patterns after a transient period of growth inhibition. Accelerated infant growth is associated with reduced bone mass and quality characterized by poor bone mineral density (BMD), content (BMC), and impaired microarchitecture. The present study evaluated the effects of a diet containing slow (SDC) or rapid (RDC) digestible carbohydrates on bone quality parameters during the catch-up growth period in a model of diet-induced stunted rats. The food restriction period negatively impacted BMD, BMC, and microarchitecture of appendicular and axial bones. The SDC diet was shown to improve BMD and BMC of appendicular and axial bones after a four-week refeeding period in comparison with the RDC diet. In the same line, the micro-CT analysis revealed that the trabecular microarchitecture of tibiae and vertebrae was positively impacted by the dietary intervention with SDC compared to RDC. Furthermore, features of the cortical microstructure of vertebra bones were also improved in the SDC group animals. Similarly, animals allocated to the SDC diet displayed modest improvements in growth plate thickness, surface, and volume compared to the RDC group. Diets containing the described SDC blend might contribute to an adequate bone formation during catch-up growth thus increasing peak bone mass, which could be linked to reduced fracture risk later in life in individuals undergoing transient undernutrition during early life.
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Gabster A, Jhangimal M, Erausquin JT, Suárez JA, Pinzón-Espinosa J, Baird M, Katz J, Beltran-Henríquez D, Cabezas-Talavero G, Henao-Martínez AF, Franco-Paredes C, Agudelo-Higuita NI, Pachar M, González JA, Rodriguez F, Pascale JM. Rapid health evaluation in migrant peoples in transit through Darien, Panama: protocol for a multimethod qualitative and quantitative study. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211066190. [PMID: 34925828 PMCID: PMC8679050 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211066190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The world is currently unprepared to deal with the drastic increase in global
migration. There is an urgent need to develop programs to protect the
well-being and health of migrant peoples. Increased population movement is
already evident throughout the Americas as exemplified by the rising number
of migrant peoples who pass through the Darien neotropical moist broadleaf
forest along the border region between Panama and Colombia. The transit of
migrant peoples through this area has an increase in the last years. In
2021, an average of 9400 people entered the region per month compared with
2000–3500 people monthly in 2019. Along this trail, there is no access to
health care, food provision, potable water, or housing. To date, much of
what is known about health needs and barriers to health care within this
population is based on journalistic reports and anecdotes. There is a need
for a comprehensive approach to assess the health care needs of migrant
peoples in transit. This study aims to describe demographic characteristics,
mental and physical health status and needs, and experiences of host
communities, and to identify opportunities to improve health care provision
to migrant peoples in transit in Panama. Study design and methods: This multimethod study will include qualitative (n = 70) and
quantitative (n = 520) components. The qualitative
component includes interviews with migrant peoples in transit, national and
international nongovernmental organizations and agencies based in Panama.
The quantitative component is a rapid epidemiological study which includes a
questionnaire and four clinical screenings: mental health, sexual and
reproductive health, general and tropical medicine, and nutrition. Conclusion: This study will contribute to a better understanding of the health status and
needs of migrant peoples in transit through the region. Findings will be
used to allocate resources and provide targeted health care interventions
for migrant peoples in transit through Darien, Panama.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gabster
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ave Justo Arosemena, Calle 36 Ciudad de Panamá, Panama City, Panamá
| | - Monica Jhangimal
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panamá
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Katz
- Community Development Network of the Americas, Panama City, Panamá
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fátima Rodriguez
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panamá
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Gohlke BC, Bettendorf M, Binder G, Hauffa B, Reinehr T, Dörr HG, Wölfle J. [Effect of Psychosocial Factors on Growth]. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2021; 234:61-67. [PMID: 34902873 DOI: 10.1055/a-1672-4759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genes, hormones and factors such as nutrition and psychosocial environment affect growth. OBJECTIVE What is the significance of various psychosocial factors on growth? METHODS Evaluation of results of a working meeting of paediatric endocrinologist with current literature research. RESULTS Psychosocial deprivation in children can be associated with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and short stature. GHD can be reversed by a change of environment and psychosocial support. War and migration are often associated with underweight, growth disturbances and poor health care. These factors can improve after the end of conflicts, but children often remain too short. Consumption of alcohol or opiates during pregnancy are associated with lower birth weight and increased risk of early and small for gestational age (SGA) childbirth. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show a slight slowdown in growth after they started stimulant therapy. However, they reach normal adult height. CONCLUSIONS In children with idiopathic short stature, psychosocial causes should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis. Notably there is an increased risk of growth disturbances in children from conflict regions or after prenatal drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina C Gohlke
- Pädiatrische Endokrinologie, Universitätskinderklinik, Endokrinologie Bonn, Germany, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Markus Bettendorf
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Gerhard Binder
- Paediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Tubingen Department of Pediatrics, Tubingen, Deutschland
| | - Berthold Hauffa
- Universitätsklinikum Essen, Klinik für Pädiatrische Hämatologie, Onkologie und Endokrinologie, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Reinehr
- Pädiatrische Ernährungsmedizin, Vestische Kinderklinik, Datteln, Deutschland
| | | | - Joachim Wölfle
- Department of Paediatrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Deutschland
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Mansour R, John JR, Liamputtong P, Arora A. Prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity among Libyan migrant families in Australia. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2156. [PMID: 34819060 PMCID: PMC8611633 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12202-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of food insecurity remains a public health challenge even in high income countries, such as Australia, and especially among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. While research has been undertaken among several migrant communities in Australia, there is a knowledge gap about food security within some ethnic minorities such as migrants from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study aims to determine the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among Libyan migrant families in Australia. Methods A cross-sectional design utilising an online survey and convenience sampling was used to recruit 271 participants, each representing a family, who had migrated from Libya to Australia. Food security was measured using the single-item measure taken from the Australian Health Survey (AHS) and the 18-item measure from the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module (USDA HFSSM). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates associated with food insecurity. Results Using the single-item measure, the prevalence of food insecurity was 13.7% whereas when the 18-item questionnaire was used, more than three out of five families (72.3%) reported being food insecure. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis for the single-item measure, those living alone or with others reported higher odds of being food insecure (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.05, 6.21) compared to those living with their spouse, whereas higher annual income (≥AUD 40,000) was associated with lower odds of food insecurity (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.11, 0.84). Higher annual income was also associated with lower odds of food insecurity (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.25, 0.94) on the 18-item measure. On both single and 18-item measures, larger family size (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.07, 1.49 and AOR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.01, 1.47 respectively) was associated with increased odds of food insecurity. Conclusion This study provides evidence that food insecurity amongst Libyan migrants in Australia is a widespread problem and is associated with a number of sociodemographic and socio-economic factors. The findings of this study serve to contribute to the depth and breadth of food security research among vulnerable communities, in this instance Libyan migrant families. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12202-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reima Mansour
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia. .,Health Equity Laboratory, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia. .,Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya.
| | - James Rufus John
- Health Equity Laboratory, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia
| | - Pranee Liamputtong
- College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Amit Arora
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Health Equity Laboratory, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Clinical School Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, NSW Health, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia
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Salami B, Mogale S, Ojo F, Kariwo M, Thompson J, Okeke-Ihejirika P, Yohani S. Health of African Refugee Children Outside Africa: A Scoping Review. J Pediatr Nurs 2021; 61:199-206. [PMID: 34118591 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Africa is the largest source continent of refugee children. However, we found no published synthesis of the literature on the health of African refugee children outside Africa. Conducting a review of the literature on this particular population will help illuminate the particular contextual health issues faced by African child refugees who live outside Africa. The purpose of this review is to synthesize what is known from the existing literature regarding the health of sub-Saharan African refugee children who live outside Africa. METHODS We completed a scoping review of the published literature. We included articles published in English with a focus on the health of sub-Saharan African refugee children living outside Africa. We excluded studies of refugees in Africa as the living conditions of these refugees, most of whom reside in camps, are very different from those outside Africa. Using relevant keywords, we searched 10 databases to identify and screen 6602 articles after duplicates were eliminated. SAMPLE A total of 20 studies were included in this review. FINDINGS Published research articles on sub-Saharan African child refugees living outside Africa focus on infectious diseases, mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders, food insecurity and psychosocial adjustment, physical health (including obesity), and health promotion strategies. This population is characterized by a high rate of infectious diseases (e.g., malaria), obesity, and mental health problems, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS To attend to the health needs of sub-Saharan African refugee children who live outside Africa, interventions should address pre-migration factors as well as post-migration factors (including income and community belonging) while employing a strengths-based perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shirley Mogale
- Head of Department, Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Canada.
| | - Folakemi Ojo
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Canada.
| | | | - Jill Thompson
- Health Sciences School, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Sophie Yohani
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Canada.
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Food Insecurity and Food Label Comprehension among Libyan Migrants in Australia. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072433. [PMID: 34371942 PMCID: PMC8308906 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Food security among migrants and refugees remains an international public health issue. However, research among ethnic minorities in Australia is relatively low. This study explored the factors that influence the understanding of food labelling and food insecurity among Libyan migrants in Australia. An online survey was completed by 271 Libyan migrant families. Data collection included the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module (for food security) and a question from the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Consumer Label Survey (for food labelling comprehension). Multivariable logistic regression modelling was utilised to identify the predictors of food label comprehension and food security. Food insecurity prevalence was 72.7% (n = 196) while 35.8% of families (n = 97) reported limited food label understanding. Household size, food store location, and food affordability were found to be significantly related to food insecurity. However, gender, private health insurance, household annual income, education, and food store type and location were found to be significantly related to food labelling comprehension. Despite the population’s high educational status and food labelling comprehension level, food insecurity remained an issue among the Libyan migrants. Policy makers should consider the incorporation of food label comprehension within a broader food security approach for migrants.
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Elshahat S, Newbold KB. Physical activity participation among Arab immigrants and refugees in Western societies: A scoping review. Prev Med Rep 2021; 22:101365. [PMID: 33868904 PMCID: PMC8042447 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insufficient physical activity (PA) is the fourth prime risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases. Arab immigrants and refugees (AIR) are at elevated risk for low or no participation in PA due to socio-cultural and ecological factors. This scoping review examined PA prevalence, knowledge, attitudes as well as barriers vs. facilitators to PA engagement across life domains among AIR in Western countries. A systematic search strategy was implemented across five automated databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Sociology Database and Transportation Research Board) to locate pertinent English language papers. Seventy-five articles were included in this study, and stakeholder consultation was conducted to validate the findings. The US and Europe are substantially ahead of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in AIR-PA research. Despite showing positive attitudes and sound knowledge of PA recommendations, AIR exhibited a low PA engagement prevalence, revealing a knowledge-compliance gap. The prevalence of sufficient PA was lowest in the US (11-22%), whereas Europe showed the highest figures (26-45%). Personal barriers to PA participation involved mainstream language illiteracy and limited exercise skills, whereas improved PA literacy was a significant facilitator. Family responsibility and cultural restrictions were common psychosocial/cultural barriers, whereas social support and culturally-sensitive resources were powerful facilitators. Poorly maintained pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure was a leading environmental barrier amongst AIR in North America, but not Europe. Longitudinal and community-engaged AIR-PA research is needed, and intersectoral collaboration is required to inform tailored interventions and inclusive policies, fostering AIR and other vulnerable populations' exercise participation and improving their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elshahat
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L9, Ontario, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | - K. Bruce Newbold
- School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1, Ontario, Canada
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Ustuner Top F, Yigitbas Ç. Social anxiety, lifestyle behavior and quality of life in disadvantaged migrant adolescents: A case-control study. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00677-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Almost 2 billion adults in the world are overweight, and more than half of them are classified as obese, while nearly one-third of children globally experience poor growth and development. Given the vast amount of knowledge that has been gleaned from decades of research on growth and development, a number of questions remain as to why the world is now in the midst of a global epidemic of obesity accompanied by the "double burden of malnutrition," where overweight coexists with underweight and micronutrient deficiencies. This challenge to the human condition can be attributed to nutritional and environmental exposures during pregnancy that may program a fetus to have a higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. To explore this concept, frequently called the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), this review considers a host of factors and physiological mechanisms that drive a fetus or child toward a higher risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, hypertension, and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). To that end, this review explores the epidemiology of DOHaD with discussions focused on adaptations to human energetics, placental development, dysmetabolism, and key environmental exposures that act to promote chronic diseases in adulthood. These areas are complementary and additive in understanding how providing the best conditions for optimal growth can create the best possible conditions for lifelong health. Moreover, understanding both physiological as well as epigenetic and molecular mechanisms for DOHaD is vital to most fully address the global issues of obesity and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hoffman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, and Center for Childhood Nutrition Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Mansour R, Liamputtong P, Arora A. Prevalence, Determinants, and Effects of Food Insecurity among Middle Eastern and North African Migrants and Refugees in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17197262. [PMID: 33020437 PMCID: PMC7579266 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Issues related to poverty and income inequality in high-income countries have led to food insecurity among some population groups, such as migrants and refugees. While there are some studies on the experience of some migrant groups (and other subpopulations), little is known about food security among Middle Eastern and African migrants and refugees. This systematic review identified the prevalence of food insecurity and its effects among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) migrants and refugees in high-income countries. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in this systematic review. Four databases, namely MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PubMed were searched. Three studies met the inclusion criteria, all of which were conducted in USA: two among Sudanese migrant families, and one among Somali refugee women. The rates of reported food insecurity ranged from 40% to 71% and were significantly higher than for the general population. Food insecurity was associated with acculturation and socio-economic factors. Food insecurity adversely impacts the health of MENA migrants and refugees, creating economic implications for individuals, families, the broader community in which they now live, and for governments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reima Mansour
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (P.L.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-4-2682-8215
| | - Pranee Liamputtong
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (P.L.); (A.A.)
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Amit Arora
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (P.L.); (A.A.)
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, NSW Health, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
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Physical Activity Among Immigrant Children: A Systematic Review. J Phys Act Health 2020; 17:1047-1058. [PMID: 32858526 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2019-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health benefits of physical activity (PA) for children are well documented. However, little is known about PA patterns among immigrant children. METHODS The authors reviewed research on PA patterns of immigrant children. The inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed articles published from January 2010 to May 2018 in English, French, or Spanish that included primary-school-aged (6-12 y) children, and data on immigration status. RESULTS A total of 11 articles were included in the analyses. These studies revealed a deficit of PA among immigrant children. Immigration status (immigrant or nonimmigrant) and generation of immigration (first, second, and third), ethnic origin, and gender were associated with PA patterns. In general, PA levels were lower among first-generation immigrant children, children of Hispanic and East Asian origin, and girls. The results suggest that questionnaire measures might be biased or inaccurate among immigrant children, highlighting the need for the integration of mixed methods (objective and subjective measures). CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of children do not meet PA guidelines, and this might be more problematic for immigrant children. Future studies incorporating time since immigration, comparative analyses on gender, sociocultural and socioeconomic characteristics, and mixed methodology could provide a more complete portrait of PA patterns and opportunities for immigrant children.
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13
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Food Insecurity and Major Diet-Related Morbidities in Migrating Children: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020379. [PMID: 32023929 PMCID: PMC7071308 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Children of migrant families are known to be at a higher risk of diet-related morbidities due to complex variables including food insecurity, cultural and religious beliefs, and sociodemographic factors like ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education. Several studies have assessed the presence of specific diseases related to dietary issues in migrant children. This systematic review aims to highlight the existing body of work on nutritional deficiencies in the specific vulnerable pediatric population of immigrants. Refugees were intentionally excluded because of fundamental differences between the two groups including the reasons for migration and health status at the time of arrival. A total of 29 papers were included and assessed for quality. Most of them described a strong correlation between obesity and migration. A high prevalence of stunting, early childhood caries, iron and vitamin D deficiency was also reported, but the studies were few and heterogeneous. Food insecurity and acculturation were found important social factors (nevertheless with inconclusive results) influencing dietary habits and contributing to the development of morbidities such as obesity and other metabolic disorders, which can cause progressive unsustainability of health systems. Public health screening for diet-related diseases in migrant children may be implemented. Educational programs to improve children’s diet and promote healthy-living behaviors as a form of socioeconomic investment for the health of the new generations may also be considered.
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