Assessment of Dietary Behaviors Among West African Immigrants in Relation to Acculturation Level and Length of Time in the U.S.

Acculturation and length of time in the U.S. have been linked to adverse dietary behaviors in immigrant populations. Specifically, studies have shown that the longer immigrants live in the United States, the more their positive dietary patterns decrease and shift toward less healthy, Westernized food choices. Information on the dietary behaviors of African immigrants is scarce. This study aimed to address this gap by assessing differences in dietary behaviors by acculturation level and length of time in the U.S. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Chicago, IL, among 354 adults from West African countries. Participants self-reported socio-demographic information and length of U.S. residency. Acculturation was assessed using a modified Bicultural Involvement Questionnaire, and dietary behaviors in the past 30 days were assessed using the Dietary Screener Questionnaire. Logistic regression determined how fruits, vegetable, whole grains, and added sugar consumption varied by acculturation level and length of time in the U.S. Fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption was low, with few participants meeting daily recommendations. After adjusting for socio-demographics, no differences in dietary behavior were detected by acculturation level. Participants residing in the U.S. for ≤ 5 years and between 6 and 10 years had greater odds of consuming > 1 cup of fruit/day compared to the reference group (> 10 years). Length of time in the U.S. was not associated with whole-grain or vegetable consumption. Acculturation level was not associated with select dietary behaviors; length of time in the U.S. was associated with some but not all dietary behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of studying the differential effects of acculturation on immigrant populations.