Tens of thousands of immigrants settle in Quebec each year, an event that produces changes in their lifestyle habits that have a direct impact on the health of those immigrants. As part of a mixed methods study, group interviews were used to isolate variables of behaviour, opinion or values to gain a better understanding of certain characteristics of the migrant's journey and their effects on lifestyle habits. The analysis of those interviews strongly influenced the construction and validity of a very detailed questionnaire to measure variable on a self-reporting basis. The areas examined were: profiles of acculturation, health, physical activity and food. 506 immigrants responded to the questionnaire and the responses are valid in 90% of the cases. Body measurements (height, weight, waist circumference) were obtained for 274 subjects from a different sample, but from the same population, to determine a body mass index and their weight gain after immigration. Overall, a rather positive picture emerges but in 10% of the cases, the subjects experienced food insecurity and 27% of the sample ate fewer vegetables, fruit, dairy products, legumes and seafood. A developing sedentary lifestyle appears to be the chief cause of increased weight and deteriorating health among the respondents. © 2017 Canadian Psychological Association.

Health Immigration Food Obesity

[No Keywords available]