Diet and Dietary Acculturation Among Immigrants From Sub-Saharan Africa Living in the United States: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background

Despite Sub-Saharan African (SSA) immigrants being a highly diverse and rapidly growing U.S. immigrant group, research on their post-immigration dietary behaviors that determine future health is unclear. Dietary acculturation, the adaptations and adoptions of food habits in the U.S., warrants scholarly attention.

Objective

A scoping review was conducted to synthesize current literature that examines post-immigration diets and the effects of dietary acculturation among SSA immigrants.

Study Design, Settings, Participants

In September 2022, three databases were searched to retrieve studies published between 2000 and 2022. From 3,388 initially retrieved articles on adult and adolescent immigrants (including refugees), 31 were included after screening.

Measurable Outcome/Analysis

Twenty-four articles reported dietary factors, including dietary quality, healthy diet, alcohol use, and food security; three only examined the relationship between food security and diet; and four reported on alcohol use only.

Results

SSA immigrants continue to eat a variety of foods and maintain low alcohol intake. Culturally important foods include traditional starches (eg, sorghum), traditional spices, goat meat, and fried fish. Buying fresh produce, eating at home, eating family meals, and skipping meals when not hungry remain essential to SSA immigrants. Dietary acculturation is reflected in changes in food purchasing, food preparation, and eating practices such as shopping in both ethnic stores and U.S. supermarkets, reading nutrition labels, preparing traditional dishes with healthier cooking methods, and increased snacking. Dietary acculturation is also expedited by child feeding and intensified by participating in food assistance programs. Meanwhile, some groups expressed pride in mastering adaptive skills in preparing U.S. foods that symbolize culture bridging. The various dimensions of dietary acculturation make it difficult to determine its impact on overall diet quality and consumption quantities using current research methods and available evidence.

Conclusions

Migration from SSA to the U.S. presents the dilemma between adapting and maintaining foodways. Studies that examine detailed intake data are urgently needed. Understanding the complex dietary acculturation is fundamental to supporting immigrant health.

Funding

None