Contemporary Nurse
Volume 54, Issue 2, 2018, Pages 150-159

Exploring the diet and lifestyle changes contributing to weight gain among australian west african women following migration: A qualitative study (Article)

Sowole O.O.B. , Power T. , Davidson P. , Ballard C. , Jackson D.*
  • a Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia
  • b Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia
  • c School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • d Oxford Institute for Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR), Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
  • e Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia, Oxford Institute for Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR), Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This paper reports on women’s experiences of weight gain and obesity as they became acculturated to the Australian diet and lifestyle. Background: Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have a much higher risk of obesity than the native population when settling in industrialised countries. Method: Qualitative. Results: Women in this study reported weight gain post-migration. This was attributed to increased access to a wide variety of food including takeaway food and more sedentary lifestyles. Conclusions: Obesity has long-term consequences for health and well-being. Further research is needed to support a healthy transition to life in Australia. Relevance to clinical practice: Gaining insight into the underlying reasons that West African immigrants to Australia become obese could contribute to assisting health professionals design culturally appropriate interventions and health education programmes to support new arrivals. © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

Patient experience Obesity Women’s health Qualitative study Migrant health

Index Keywords

lifestyle Life Style Australia human Africa, Western middle aged obesity diet ethnology qualitative research Humans female risk factor Risk Factors Africa body weight gain adult migration Emigration and Immigration weight gain
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85045137252&doi=10.1080%2f10376178.2018.1459760&partnerID=40&md5=1fdfb43666d14692e8a75ce56bc72748
DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2018.1459760
ISSN: 10376178
Original Language: English