Cultural and social influences on food consumption in dutch residents of Turkish and moroccan origin: a qualitative study

M. Nicolaou, C.M. Doak, R.M. van Dam, J. Brug, K. Stronks, J.C. Seidell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

87 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the social and cultural influences on food intake in 2 non-Western migrant origin groups. The authors were particularly interested in the influence of the traditional culture and its relevance within the context of migration and associated changes in social, economic and cultural context, including acculturation.

DESIGN: Qualitative focus group discussions.

SETTING: City of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS: Young adults of Turkish and Moroccan migrant origin.

PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Social and cultural influences on food intake.

ANALYSIS: Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using framework analysis.

RESULTS: A dominant theme that emerged is that of hospitality and the central role of food herein. Hospitality is rooted within the cultural and religious tradition of both groups. Additional themes that emerged were: cultural identity; migration and lifestyle change; and acculturation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Among Dutch residents of Turkish and Moroccan migrant origin, the central role of food in culture coupled with the changes that come about as a result of migration create an environment of abundance that can lead to overeating, which may impact energy balance and overweight development. These results indicate that younger members of migrant origin populations continue to value their traditional food cultures, underpinning the need for interventions to be culturally sensitive.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)232-241
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume41
Issue number4
Early online date8 Jun 2009
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2009

Keywords

  • Acculturation
  • Adult
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Eating
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Journal Article
  • Male
  • Morocco
  • Netherlands
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Turkey
  • Young Adult

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