Health promotion in emerging collectivist communities: A study of dietary acculturation in the South Sudanese community in Logan City, Australia.

issue addressedUnderstanding dietary acculturation within collectivist communities is required to develop and tailor appropriate health promotion strategies to prevent diet-related chronic diseases. This research explores the journey of the South Sudanese community living in Logan City, Australia in establishing new norms around food choices and practices over time.

methodsThree semi-structured group interviews and a final community forum of women (n = 20) from the South Sudanese community were conducted. These explored changes in and influences on dietary practices post-settlement. Sessions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using inductive and deductive approaches. Feedback on findings from participants and community members was incorporated.

resultsParticipants reported dietary acculturation phases, including assimilation, reflection and separation, with a return to traditional foods over time. Factors influencing the transition between phases included; the characteristics of the collectivist community such as shared knowledge, experiences and resources, increased accessibility to traditional foods, and increased food and health literacy as responses to emerging diet-related health issues.

conclusionsThe Logan City South Sudanese community has navigated a new and complex food environment with positive long-term dietary outcomes; however, the initial decline in health due to poor diet on arrival may have been prevented. SO WHAT?: Early intervention and culturally appropriate health promotion strategies that are co-designed and tailored to the characteristics and strengths of newly settled collectivist communities are needed. These should promote the benefits of healthy traditional food habits, while assisting communities to successfully navigate a new food environment.