Food Choice Motives and the Importance of Family Meals Among Immigrant Mothers

Ultra-processed food consumption: an exploration of social determinants among Black children of African and Caribbean descent in Ottawa

Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is a growing concern due to its negative impact on diet quality and health outcomes. To our knowledge, no data on UPF consumption are available for specific racial/ethnic children, including Black children, in Canada. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the social determinants of UPF consumption among Black children of African and Caribbean descent in Ottawa. It included 174 mothers born in the Caribbean or Sub-Saharan Africa and their children aged 6 to 12. A survey was administered to assess demographic and socio-economic characteristics of mothers, children, and households. Children's dietary intakes were evaluated with a 24 h dietary recall to calculate the proportion of energy from UPF according to the NOVA food classification system. ANOVA and two-step cluster analysis were performed. Identified clusters were compared using chi-square and Student's t tests. Findings indicate that children whose mothers had been living in Canada longer (p < 0.001), whose mothers were family-class immigrants (p = 0.005), and whose households were food secure (p = 0.049), consumed more UPF than their respective counterparts. Cluster analysis revealed two profiles, named settling and established, reinforcing previous associations. Children in the established profile had a mean energy intake from UPF 9% higher than those in the settling profile (p = 0.006). This study provided initial findings on the social determinants of UPF consumption among Black children of African and Caribbean descent. It suggests that immigration-related factors and household food security status shaped UPF consumption of these children.

Findings on dietary characteristics among Haitian immigrants and the threat of food insecurity: A scoping review

Objectives

This study aimed to map and describe the available evidence on dietary characteristics and diet-related health conditions among Haitian immigrants across the globe.

Study design

Scoping review.

Methods

This review was based on the international guide Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The searches were conducted in several electronic databases in July 2023. Reports focusing on diet, nutrition, and diet-related health conditions among international Haitian immigrants published in English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish with no year limit were included. The data extracted was tabulated and presented in a narrative summary.

Results

Database search retrieved 502 records, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. The categories that emerged from the analysis were: food consumption patterns and trends, food and nutrition insecurity, cultural identity, and diet-related health conditions. Findings suggest: available evidence underrepresents Latin America and the Caribbean context; research gaps related to adolescents and the elderly and also to noncommunicable diseases except obesity; changes in food consumption after immigration towards less healthy eating; the Haitian immigrant's preference for healthy and traditional eating patterns; many experiences of food insecurity related to poverty, unemployment, and lack of social support, especially in host countries in Latin America and the Caribbean; and a high prevalence of obesity, especially among women.

Conclusions

Further research is required in countries in Latin America, mainly. Diet-related chronic diseases, adolescents, and the elderly should be targeted for further research. We recommend: longitudinal and qualitative research; field action reports describing local and global strategies to manage Haitian migration-related food and nutrition issues; culturally appropriate dietary interventions; and policies to protect and support the most vulnerable Haitian immigrants to have their fundamental right to adequate food guaranteed, reducing health inequalities.

Food Experiences and Dietary Patterns of International Students at a Canadian University

Purpose: Postsecondary students who move to a new country to continue their education experience a drastic shift in food landscape, often resulting in unhealthy dietary adaptations.Methods: This mixed-method study explored the eating experiences and dietary patterns of 30 international students attending a Canadian university. Data were collected through focus groups that were analyzed thematically and dietary records analyzed for compliance with Canada's Food Guide for Healthy Living (2007).Results: Results showed that many participants want to maintain home country food traditions, yet their new independent living status and novel food environments led to changes in dietary habits. Limited food skills, busy schedules, reduced access to familiar foods, and fast-food environments contributed to unhealthy eating patterns. These perceptions were reflected in the high consumption of "other", less nutritious foods and low servings of fruits and vegetables, milk products and alternatives, and grain products.Conclusions: These findings show that international university students face dual challenges of transitioning into independent living without sufficient food skills and family supports, and exposure to unfamiliar and unhealthy food environments. Resources need to be developed for newly enrolled international students that emphasize food awareness, food skills, and healthy eating habits.

Can eating pleasure be a lever for healthy eating? A systematic scoping review of eating pleasure and its links with dietary behaviors and health

The aims of this review were to map and summarize data currently available about 1) key dimensions of eating pleasure; 2) associations of eating pleasure, and its key dimensions, with dietary and health outcomes and 3) the most promising intervention strategies using eating pleasure to promote healthy eating. Using the scoping review methodology, a comprehensive search of the peer-reviewed literature (Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, ERIC, Web of Science, CINAHL, ABI/Inform global and Sociology Abstract) and of the grey literature (ProQuest Dissertations & Theses and Google) was carried out by two independent reviewers. We included 119 of the 28,908 studies found. In total, 89 sub-dimensions of eating pleasure were grouped into 22 key dimensions. The most frequently found related to sensory experiences (in 50.9% of the documents), social experiences (42.7%), food characteristics besides sensory attributes (27.3%), food preparation process (19.1%), novelty (16.4%), variety (14.5%), mindful eating (13.6%), visceral eating (12.7%), place where food is consumed (11.8%) and memories associated with eating (10.9%). Forty-five studies, mostly cross-sectional (62.2%), have documented links between eating pleasure and dietary and/or health outcomes. Most studies (57.1%) reported favorable associations between eating pleasure and dietary outcomes. For health outcomes, results were less consistent. The links between eating pleasure and both dietary and health outcomes varied according to the dimensions of eating pleasure studied. Finally, results from 11 independent interventions suggested that strategies focusing on sensory experiences, cooking and/or sharing activities, mindful eating, and positive memories related to healthy food may be most promising. Thus, eating pleasure may be an ally in the promotion of healthy eating. However, systematically developed, evidence-based interventions are needed to better understand how eating pleasure may be a lever for healthy eating.

Acculturation and Dietary Acculturation among Arab Muslim Immigrants in Canada

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to assess Arab Muslim immigrant mothers’ acculturation level, to explore apparent links between acculturation level and experiences of dietary changes, and to gather information on factors affecting dietary acculturation.

Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews focusing on food choices were conducted with 24 mothers who had been in Canada 5 years or more. An adapted version of an existing acculturation scale was used to assess participants’ perception of their own acculturation.

Results: Arab Muslim mothers retain traditional food preparation. However, several factors led to changes in their daily food consumption such as children’s preferences, time concerns, and availability of Arabic food. No significant relation was found between measured levels of acculturation and the adoption of Canadian food behaviour or the retention of preparation and consumption of traditional foods (dietary acculturation); however, a greater length of stay in Canada was somewhat associated with limitations on preparing traditional food. The findings indicated that many of the Arab Muslim mothers interviewed retain important aspects of their traditional cuisine.

Conclusions: Dietary acculturation for Arab Muslim immigrants to Canada involved a balance between carrying forward food-related traditions and adapting to Canadian culture, including Canada’s food culture.

Parental work characteristics and diet quality among pre-school children in dual-parent households: results from a population-based cohort in Taiwan

Objective

To examine the relationship between parental work characteristics and diet quality among pre-school children in dual-parent households.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Parental work characteristics were measured by the types of combined parental work schedules and work hours. The main outcome variables included meal eating habits as well as ‘health-conscious food’ and ‘unhealthy non-core food’ dietary patterns derived by using principal component analysis. Sociodemographic covariates were considered to reduce confounding and selection biases.

Setting

The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study, Taiwan.

Subjects

A population-based sample of 18 046 children.

Results

Multiple regression analyses indicated that compared with having both parents working standard schedules, having at least one parent who worked non-standard schedules was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of a child eating breakfast every day and a higher consumption of unhealthy non-core foods. If only one parent was employed and worked standard schedules, the children demonstrated greater odds of having home-prepared dinner most of the time. The mother’s working long hours was associated with lower odds of eating breakfast every day, more frequent consumption of unhealthy non-core foods and a lower frequency of healthy food consumption.

Conclusions

The findings raise concern that parents’ non-standard work schedules and mother’s long working hours have negative effects on diet quality of pre-school children. Policy implications include the need for a multifaceted approach to supporting working parents so as to create healthier food environments.

Draw and Tell: Dietary Acculturation as Lived by Black Immigrant Children of African and Caribbean Descent Residing in Canada

OBJECTIVE

Explore immigrant children's lived experience of dietary acculturation.

DESIGN

Draw and tell qualitative research.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 167 school-aged children living in Ottawa, Canada, who had a mother born in sub-Saharan Africa or the Caribbean.

METHODS

Children made 2 drawings about foods, 1 related to Canada and the other to their home country, and explained their drawings and what they meant to them. These discussions were recorded and transcribed.

ANALYSIS

Foods were counted for each region (Canada/Africa/Caribbean). Thematic analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Most children drew different foods for Canada and their home country. Apples were the most frequently mentioned food for Canada. Pizza, juice and sugar-sweetened beverages, fries/poutine, and hamburgers were among the 10 most frequently mentioned foods for Canada, whereas none of the top 10 foods for African and Caribbean countries were highly processed. Rice, chicken, meat, and leafy vegetables were in the top 10 foods mentioned for the 3 regions. Emerging themes were food availability and variety, mothers' lack of time and fatigue, and the school eating environment.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

It seems that these black immigrant children experienced dietary acculturation and that changes in dietary habits have had mostly a negative impact on their diet.

Change of behaviour when selecting food products in a supermarket environment after reminding consumers about weight management

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to explore how the behaviour of consumers changed while they selected food in a supermarket environment after they were reminded about weight management. This investigation was carried out from the perspective of selection criteria, reading of package labels, nutritional quality of the products selected and time taken to select a product.

DESIGN

The subjects, who were actively watching their weight, participated in two consecutive tasks in a supermarket. They were given a shopping list of eleven food categories and asked to think aloud while selecting from each category a product they usually buy and a product they would use for weight management. The data (n 792 selections) were collected through interviews and a verbal analysis protocol combined with wireless audio-visual observation.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-six consumers were recruited from a sample of 367 supermarket customers.

SETTING

Kuopio, Finland.

RESULTS

The subjects' behaviour changed radically after they were reminded about weight management. In the first selection, taste and familiarity were the main food selection criteria while in the latter selection the energy/fat content predominated. Consequently, the nutritional quality of products improved greatly because subjects read package labels twice as much in the latter selection. The time taken to select a product increased significantly, on average, from 23 (sd 10) to 60 (sd 51) s/product (P = 0·000).

CONCLUSIONS

Only by reminding consumers about weight management was there a significant impact on their food selection behaviour. Marketing communication should be developed which quickly and easily promotes consumers' awareness of healthy food in supermarkets.

Dietary acculturation of Arab immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area

PURPOSE

We explored the eating habits of Arab immigrants to determine whether they have maintained their traditional diet or have consumed a more Westernized diet since immigrating to Canada.

METHODS

Arab immigrants who had been in Canada for at least eight years and were currently living in the Greater Toronto Area were recruited. A sample of 24 Arab immigrants completed a mailed, self-administered questionnaire, and six participated in a focus group. The focus group discussion was transcribed verbatim and results were recorded. Latent content analysis was used to analyze, code, and categorize emerging themes.

RESULTS

Arab immigrants consumed a mixture of both Arabic and Western food and perceived their current diet to be healthier than it was before they immigrated to Canada. Factors that influenced their food choices included increased nutrition health awareness, differences in food preferences and preparation methods, and preservation of dietary practices in the new environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings will help dietitians who work with Arab immigrants to become more aware of factors that motivate this group's food choices, and to create nutrition programs that are more culturally sensitive.

Association between parental motives for food choice and eating patterns of 12- to 13-year-old Norwegian children

Objective

To determine (i) the importance of parents’ motives for everyday family food choices; and (ii) the relationship between parental food choice motives and eating patterns of 12- to 13-year-old children.

Design

Cross-sectional study. A modified version of the Food Choice Questionnaire was used to determine parental motives for food choices. The children's food and drink intake was reported by their parents using a retrospective FFQ. Eating patterns were derived using principal component analysis. The association between food choice motives and eating patterns was examined using multiple linear regression analysis.

Setting

Primary schools, Telemark County, Norway.

Subjects

In total, 1095 children aged 12–13 years and their parents.

Results

The parental motive ‘sensory appeal’ was the most important for food choice, followed by ‘health’, ‘convenience’, ‘natural content’ and ‘weight control’. The food choice motives were associated with the eating patterns of the children, independent of background variables. The motive ‘health’ was most strongly associated with a ‘varied Norwegian’ eating pattern, representing a diverse diet and regular meals, while the motive ‘convenience’ appeared to be the most important barrier to this eating pattern. ‘Weight control’ was not associated with the ‘varied Norwegian’ eating pattern.

Conclusions

To encourage parents to make healthy food choices for their children, health promotion activities should focus on the health benefits of a diverse diet and regular meals, rather than weight control. Recommended food products should be made more convenient and easily available for families with children.

Describing the situational contexts of sweetened product consumption in a Middle Eastern Canadian community: application of a mixed method design

Little is known about the situational contexts in which individuals consume processed sources of dietary sugars. This study aimed to describe the situational contexts associated with the consumption of sweetened food and drink products in a Catholic Middle Eastern Canadian community. A two-stage exploratory sequential mixed-method design was employed with a rationale of triangulation. In stage 1 (n = 62), items and themes describing the situational contexts of sweetened food and drink product consumption were identified from semi-structured interviews and were used to develop the content for the Situational Context Instrument for Sweetened Product Consumption (SCISPC). Face validity, readability and cultural relevance of the instrument were assessed. In stage 2 (n = 192), a cross-sectional study was conducted and exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the structure of themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis as a means of furthering construct validation. The SCISPC reliability and predictive validity on the daily consumption of sweetened products were also assessed. In stage 1, six themes and 40-items describing the situational contexts of sweetened product consumption emerged from the qualitative analysis and were used to construct the first draft of the SCISPC. In stage 2, factor analysis enabled the clarification and/or expansion of the instrument's initial thematic structure. The revised SCISPC has seven factors and 31 items describing the situational contexts of sweetened product consumption. Initial validation of the instrument indicated it has excellent internal consistency and adequate test-retest reliability. Two factors of the SCISPC had predictive validity for the daily consumption of total sugar from sweetened products (Snacking and Energy demands) while the other factors (Socialization, Indulgence, Constraints, Visual Stimuli and Emotional needs) were rather associated to occasional consumption of these products.

Lunch is in the bag: increasing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in sack lunches of preschool-aged children

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are important sources of nutrients for healthy growth and development of young children. Recent evidence suggests that sack lunches packed by parents for children to consume at child-care centers do not regularly meet the goal of one serving of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Lunch Is In The Bag is a child-care center-based nutrition education program targeted at parents of preschool-aged children to increase the number of servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in sack lunches sent from home that was pilot tested in fall 2008. In a quasiexperimental design, six child-care centers were paired by size before being randomly assigned to intervention (n=3) and comparison (n=3) groups. The parents of caregivers with primary responsibility for preparing the sack lunches of the 3- to 5-year-old children attending the centers were enrolled as parent-child dyads. The intervention included parent handouts, classroom activities, education stations, and teacher training. The contents of the lunch sacks for both the intervention group and comparison group were recorded for 3 nonconsecutive days before and immediately after the intervention period to measure the number of servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A total of 132 parent-child dyads completed the study, 81 in the intervention group and 51 in the comparison group. Direct observation of children's lunches from the intervention group showed an increase in predicted mean number of servings of vegetables, from 0.41 to 0.65 (P<0.001) and whole grains, from 0.54 to 1.06 (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in the mean number of servings of fruit. Lunch Is In The Bag, which is designed to fit in the child-care environment and targets parents of 3- to 5-year-old children, is a feasible intervention for improving the nutritional quality of sack lunches.

At-home and away-from-home eating patterns influencing preadolescents' intake of calcium-rich food as perceived by Asian, Hispanic and Non-Hispanic white parents

OBJECTIVE

To explore at-home and away-from-home eating patterns influencing Asian, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white preadolescents' intake of calcium-rich food from a parental perspective.

DESIGN

Individual semistructured interviews.

SETTING

Home or community site.

PARTICIPANTS

Convenience sample (n = 201) of self-reported Asian (n = 54), Hispanic (n=57), and non-Hispanic white (n = 90) parents of 10- to 13-year-old children recruited from community youth programs.

PHENOMENON OF INTEREST

Description of at-home and away-from-home family eating patterns.

ANALYSIS

NVivo software to code and sort transcript segments, qualitative data analysis procedures.

RESULTS

Participants from all groups shared common at-home and away-from-home meal patterns. A lack of time often resulted in negative factors that impacted intake of calcium-rich food and beverages including breakfast on the run, fewer home-prepared or shared family meals, and more frequent meals eaten away from home. Asian and Hispanic parents indicated eating out less frequently than non-Hispanic white parents. Parents from all groups lacked expectations for their child to drink calcium-rich beverages with meals.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Practical strategies are needed to facilitate intake of calcium-rich food and beverages through more frequent family meals at home and parental expectations for children's intake of calcium-rich beverages with meals.