This descriptive study explored refugees' knowledge and perceptions of nutrition, physical activity and smoking behaviors using the Health Promotion and Transtheoretical Models. A one-time interview used both closed- and open-ended questions. The sample included 31 adults from Bosnia, Iran, and Cuba. Refugees had some knowledge of a healthy diet and physical activity, and were aware of both benefits and barriers for health behaviors. They had a realistic perception of their weight (55% overweight), and none thought obesity was a positive characteristic. Changes in diet, physical activity and smoking since arrival in the US have been positive for some and negative for others. For all categories discussed, refugees were in the pre-contemplation stage of change. There is a need to study refugees' health behaviors over time after arrival. Health behavior interventions must be specific to ethnicity in order to accurately document progress and to be culturally appropriate. © Springer Science + Business Media, Inc. 2005.

Health promotion Bosnian Refugees Iranian Cuban

physical activity immigrant refugee health promotion exercise human Health Behavior Refugees middle aged obesity priority journal diet Aged Bosnia and Herzegovina Cuba ethnology Iran interview United States Bosnia-Herzegovina Humans ethnic difference smoking male Acculturation female self concept Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article nutrition Questionnaires adult health education awareness Food Habits Cultural Characteristics attitude to health