From Sudan to Nebraska: Dinka and Nuer Refugee Diet Dilemmas

Willis, Mary S.; Buck, Janet S.

doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2006.10.005

Cited by 28 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…In addition, one study showed that a supplementary program for B-12 deficiency resulted in increased refugee consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy products (20,21). Finally, a fairly common finding was that the consumption of sweets, sweetened beverages, fruit juices, and fast food increased in refugees after US resettlement (27,28,30,(31)(32)(33). The longer refugees lived in the United States, the more likely they were to consume added sugars, oils, seasonings, hot drinks, and vegetables (P < 0.05) (27).…”

Section: Research Methods and Assessment Of Dietary Intakementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite the abundance of food, not all refugees reported comfort with the food preparation environment in the United States. For instance, while all Sudanese respondents shopped at American supermarkets, most indicated discomfort or unfamiliarity with ingredients in packaged foods (e.g., bread) (28).…”

Section: Research Methods and Assessment Of Dietary Intakementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although unfamiliar with American foods, Sudanese refugees reported 75% of total energy from high-protein, high-starch, or convenience foods. They also consumed sugar-sweetened beverages in large quantities and fewer than recommended fruits and vegetables (28). Hmong respondents reported that access to fast and convenience foods changed their dietary habits (23).…”

Section: Public Health Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Burmese refugees reported neither knowing which foods were healthy in US stores nor how to prepare meals with those foods (17). Multiple refugee groups wanted to learn more about healthy foods in the United States (17,26,28,29). In 2 studies, refugees reported improvements in diets since US resettlement (30,32); however, more refugees considered US diets less healthy than preresettlement diets (16,23,30,31).…”

Section: Perceptions and Knowledge Of Healthy Diet Several Studies Imentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies collected self-reported refugee needs. Data suggested that refugee health and nutrition could be improved by learning: 1) what are healthy foods in the United States (17,26,28,29), 2) recipes in the United States (17,26,28,29), 3) food market locations (24,26,27,29), 4) how to participate in exercise (17,30), and 5) how to utilize resources including food stamps (15,18,29). More than half of the Hmong and Cambodian interviewees expressed interest in taking American food cooking classes (32).…”

Section: Perceptions and Knowledge Of Healthy Diet Several Studies Imentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Systematic Examination of Food Intake and Adaptation to the Food Environment by Refugees Settled in the United States

Wang¹,

Min²,

Harris

et al. 2016

Advances in Nutrition

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The United States is the largest refugee resettlement country in the world. Refugees may face health-related challenges after resettlement in the United States, including higher rates of chronic diseases due to problems such as language barriers and difficulty adapting to new food environments. However, reported refugee diet challenges varied, and no systematic examination has been reported. This study examined refugee food intake pre-and postresettlement in the United States and differences in intake across various refugee groups. We systematically reviewed relevant studies that reported on refugee food intake and adaptation to the US food environment. We searched PubMed for literature published between January 1985 and April 2015, including cross-sectional and prospective studies. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. Limited research has been conducted, and most studies were based on small convenience samples. In general, refugees increased meat and egg consumption after resettling in the United States. Changes in refugee intake of vegetables, fruits, and dairy products varied by socioeconomic status, food insecurity, past food deprivation experience, length of stay in the United States, region of origin, and age. South Asians were more likely to maintain traditional diets, and increased age was associated with more conservative and traditional diets. Despite the abundance of food in the United States, postresettlement refugees reported difficulty in finding familiar or healthy foods. More research with larger samples and follow-up data are needed to study how refugees adapt to the US food environment and what factors may influence their food-and health-related outcomes. The work could inform future interventions to promote healthy eating and living among refugees and help to reduce health disparities. Adv Nutr 2016;7:1066-79.

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