The Influence of Ethnic and Mainstream Cultures on African Americans’ Health Behaviors: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Culture plays an important role in shaping individuals’ health behaviors. This qualitative research examines the relationship between African Americans’ ethnic and mainstream cultures and their health behaviors (i.e., food intake and physical activity). Methods: This study used in-depth semi-structured interview format with a group of 25 African Americans to examine the influence of ethnic and mainstream culture on African Americans’ food intake and physical activity. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes and patterns related to African Americans’ health behaviors as well as to report these patterns within data. Results: The present study found that African Americans position both their ethnic and mainstream culture as important influences on their health behaviors pertaining to food intake and physical activity. Most participants reported taking advantage of “the best of both worlds” by engaging in picking and choosing healthy behaviors from both cultures to which they belong, and they perceived preparing healthy makeovers as a way to optimize their health. They also identified a range of practical considerations that can facilitate or hinder engagement in healthy eating and physical activity (e.g., affordability, social support). Participants discussed a number of other positive (e.g., resilience, spirituality) and negative (e.g., experience of discrimination) influences on health behaviors. Conclusions: African Americans consider both their ethnic and mainstream cultures important in shaping their health behaviors. These cultural influences need to be understood in the context of other psycho-socio-environmental factors that affect individuals’ health behaviors. The current study has practical implications for designing health promotion programs for African Americans.

Neurocognitive Performance of African Americans and Hispanic Adults in Relation to Diet and Physical Activity: A Literature Review

“…Consistent with previous research, a study conducted in New York City reported that affordability, access to healthy food, health knowledge, and personal factors are important in determining healthy behaviors in AAs [47]. Participants often mentioned resilience, reliance on spirituality, dance, music, and social support as important health-enhancing factors endorsed in their AA community [47]. Among Hispanic adults, the absence of reliable access to a sufficient quantity of nutritious food was associated with more rapid cognitive decline [48].…”

“…Although providers were constantly involved in patient education, participants reported receiving this information from other sources [45,46]. Consistent with previous research, a study conducted in New York City reported that affordability, access to healthy food, health knowledge, and personal factors are important in determining healthy behaviors in AAs [47]. Participants often mentioned resilience, reliance on spirituality, dance, music, and social support as important health-enhancing factors endorsed in their AA community [47].…”

Determinants of Health Literacy and Healthy Lifestyle against Metabolic Syndrome among Major Ethnic Groups of Sarawak, Malaysia: A Multi-Group Path Analysis

“…Cultural differences have a substantial effect on lifestyle. Studies have shown the importance of addressing issues related to health beliefs and practices of culturally diverse groups [42,43]. Our path model supported eight determinants (age, gender, education, chronic illness, family history of ischemic heart disease, health care facility distance, health literacy and metabolic syndrome knowledge) for healthy lifestyle practice against metabolic syndrome.…”

An Examination of Demographic and Psychosocial Factors, Barriers to Healthy Eating, and Diet Quality Among African American Adults

“…Several possible reasons might be responsible for this discrepancy. First, some African Americans may perceive healthy eating as not being aligned with their cultural heritage [76,77]. The emphasis on soul food in African American culture might make engaging in a healthy diet difficult, as these foods are often high in fat and calorie density [68].…”