Isaac Yeboah Addo1, Loren Brener1, Augustine Danso Asante2, John de Wit1,3. 1. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 2. School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 3. Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Several studies have attributed excess weight gain after immigration to changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours. However, recognising the main factors that influence post-migration changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours is less clear, particularly among Australian residents of sub-Saharan African (SSA) ancestry. Drawing on acculturation theory, this study examines main factors driving changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours among Australian residents who were born in SSA and provides insight into the extent to which the factors are related to immigration. METHODS: A qualitative design based on a phenomenological approach was employed and a quota sampling technique was used to recruit 24 study participants for in-depth interviews. RESULTS: The study found significant self-reported changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours after immigration that increase the risk of excess weight gain. The changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours were mainly driven by issues related to availability, accessibility and affordability of dietary and physical activity products. Time management and factors related to convenience also emerged as key determinants of change in dietary and physical activity behaviours. Apparently, some factors noted by participants shape dietary and physical activity behaviours irrespective of immigration, and these factors include: tastes and cravings for foods; friends and family influence on behaviour; and misconceptions about food and exercise. CONCLUSION: Migration from SSA to Australia contributed to changes (mainly less healthy) in dietary and physical activity behaviours. To a large extent, post-migration changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours were driven by socio-economic and environmental factors. SO WHAT?: Health promotion programs that address the risky behaviours associated with excess weight gain among Australian residents of SSA ancestry should pay more attention to socio-economic and environmental factors.
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Several studies have attributed excess weight gain after immigration to changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours. However, recognising the main factors that influence post-migration changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours is less clear, particularly among Australian residents of sub-Saharan African (SSA) ancestry. Drawing on acculturation theory, this study examines main factors driving changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours among Australian residents who were born in SSA and provides insight into the extent to which the factors are related to immigration. METHODS: A qualitative design based on a phenomenological approach was employed and a quota sampling technique was used to recruit 24 study participants for in-depth interviews. RESULTS: The study found significant self-reported changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours after immigration that increase the risk of excess weight gain. The changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours were mainly driven by issues related to availability, accessibility and affordability of dietary and physical activity products. Time management and factors related to convenience also emerged as key determinants of change in dietary and physical activity behaviours. Apparently, some factors noted by participants shape dietary and physical activity behaviours irrespective of immigration, and these factors include: tastes and cravings for foods; friends and family influence on behaviour; and misconceptions about food and exercise. CONCLUSION: Migration from SSA to Australia contributed to changes (mainly less healthy) in dietary and physical activity behaviours. To a large extent, post-migration changes in dietary and physical activity behaviours were driven by socio-economic and environmental factors. SO WHAT?: Health promotion programs that address the risky behaviours associated with excess weight gain among Australian residents of SSA ancestry should pay more attention to socio-economic and environmental factors.
Authors: Onome Henry Osokpo; Lisa M Lewis; Uchechukwu Ikeaba; Jesse Chittams; Frances K Barg; Barbara Riegel Journal: Clin Nurs Res Date: 2021-11-02 Impact factor: 2.075
Authors: Martin Heine; Marelise Badenhorst; Chanel van Zyl; Gabriela Lima de Melo Ghisi; Abraham Samuel Babu; John Buckley; Pamela Serón; Karam Turk-Adawi; Wayne Derman Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-15 Impact factor: 3.390