Influence of Employment Conditions and Length of Residence on Adherence to Dietary Recommendations in Immigrant Workers in Spain

Compliance with Dietary Recommendations and Sociodemographic Factors in a Cross-Sectional Study of Natives and Immigrants in Spain

To analyze compliance with dietary recommendations (DR) based on the Mediterranean Diet among natives and immigrants in Spain. A cross-sectional study was carried out using the Platform of Longitudinal Studies of Immigrant Families comparing immigrant workers from Colombia, Ecuador and Morocco with Spanish workers. Adjusted odds ratios (ORa) of sufficient compliance with DR were obtained by sociodemographic variables. We also obtained the adjusted difference in means (DMa) for foods for which there was compliance with DR. Moroccans had greater compliance for meat (ORa = 7.22), eggs (ORa = 5.03) and cured-meats (ORa = 89.78). Ecuadorians for sweets (ORa = 4.03) and Spaniards for natural-juices and dairy-products. Moroccans had the greatest compliance in terms of the number of foods (DMa = 1.53), while Colombians had the least (DMa = - 0.95). Men (DMa = - 0.98), those with primary or incomplete primary education (DMa = - 0.83) and single-parent families (DMa = - 0.58) showed lower compliance. Compliance with DR was low among both Spaniards and immigrants, despite differences in levels of compliance, especially between Moroccans and Colombians.

Food Patterns among Chinese Immigrants Living in the South of Spain

This article aims to explore the food patterns of Chinese immigrants living in Spain and to understand the factors associated with these behaviors. This qualitative ethnographic study included 133 Chinese immigrants; using interviews with scripts were based on the National Health Survey of Spain. Three categories were defined: “Differences between Chinese food and Western food”; “Products and dishes consumed by Chinese immigrants” and “Modification of eating habits”. Participants found a remarkable difference between eastern (i.e., vegetables and rice) and western (i.e., dairy, high-fat, bread) foods. They also experienced a change in their eating habits, mostly related to acculturation and lack of time. Chinese immigrants have different eating patterns as compared to the native population in Spain and this information could help in future healthcare strategies. Knowing the food culture could infer aspects, such as insertion or integration, and promoting health and well-being.

Differences in the Prevalence of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Spanish Workers

The present study aims to examine the differences in daily fruit and vegetable consumption in the working population in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted, using data from the 2017 National Health Survey (n = 10,700 workers aged between 18 and 65 years). The daily consumption of fruit and vegetables was evaluated using two items included in a food frequency questionnaire. Occupations were classified into the 17 main groups of the National Classification of Occupations of 2011 (CNO-11). The prevalence (P) of daily fruit and vegetable consumption was calculated in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, work-related characteristics and occupations. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association, with simple and adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR). The P of daily consumption of fruit and vegetables in workers was 60% for fruit and 40% for vegetables. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors, workers working night or rotating shifts had a lower consumption of fruits (aOR:0.9; p < 0.05), and those working on temporary contracts had a lower consumption of vegetables (aOR:0.8; p < 0.05). Engineers, scientists, health care workers and teachers had the highest fruit consumption (74.5%) and the highest vegetable consumption (55.1%). The lowest consumption of fruits was presented by the military (42.3%) and unskilled workers in the service sector (45.8%), and the lowest consumption of vegetables was presented by skilled construction workers (25.5%). These findings could aid in workplace health promotion and could be used in future studies to evaluate the impact of the activities adopted.

[Factors that influence the diet and eating habits of Chinese immigrant population in Catalonia (Spain)]

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the diet and eating habits of adult immigrants of Chinese origin residing in Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Barcelona, Spain), and to identify the factors that influence the changes in diet and eating habits.

METHOD

Qualitative study conducted in 2017 through a discussion group with eight adults of Chinese origin (one man and seven women). The information was complemented by five interviews with key informants (three men and two women) and non-participant observation in health promotion workshops aimed at Chinese patients of a health center in Santa Coloma de Gramenet.

RESULTS

Chinese adults made three meals a day and tended to snack between meals. Their diet was based on rice, soy and proteins of vegetable origin. Participants rarely consumed milk and milk derivatives but highlighted their consumption of snacks, sugary drinks and pastries, as well as the incorporation of foods, new dishes and cooking techniques from the host country. The Chinese immigrants tried to maintain their diet of origin, however there were various barriers to this, such as the preference of the local diet by the children, work schedules and lack of time.

CONCLUSIONS

A tendency towards dietary acculturation is observed among the participants. Health promotion activities aimed at Chinese families are needed to improve aspects of their diet and eating habits, aiming to reduce the consumption of snacks and sugary products.

Occupational Health and Safety of Immigrant Workers in Italy and Spain: A Scoping Review

The main aim of the present study was to summarize the available literature on the topic of occupational health and safety (OH&S) among immigrant workers (IMWs) in Italy and Spain. We conducted a scoping review, searching Medline, Social Sciences Citation Index, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, SciELO, and EMBASE for peer-reviewed articles, published in English, Italian, or Spanish, between 1999–2018. 34 studies were included, 28 with quantitative methodology and 6 with qualitative. Main findings were that, compared to natives, IMWs in Italy and Spain showed higher prevalence of low-skilled jobs and of perceived discrimination at work; higher physical demands, poorer environmental working conditions, and more exposure to occupational risks (e.g., ergonomic and psychosocial hazards); a greater risk of occupational injuries; worse general and mental health; and a plausible worsening of their health status, especially in Spain, as a result of the economic crisis. The findings of the present scoping review constitute warning signs that indicate the need for a holistic global response to ensure that adverse OH&S outcomes among IMWs workers are improved and that equitable access to health care is guaranteed. Such a response will require a concrete and evidence-based approach to prevent and monitor occupational risk factors and associated outcomes in the workplaces.