An evaluation of dietary behaviors among West African immigrants in Chicago, IL: Understanding social, cultural, and environmental barriers

Poor dietary behavior can lead to the onset of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that non-Hispanic Black adults in in the U.S., on average, have poorer diet quality compared to non-Hispanic White adults. There is significant cultural heterogeneity that exist among Black-identifying individuals living in U.S., and most population-based studies have failed to capture the influence of this heterogeneity on dietary behavior. In recent years, the U.S. has experienced a significant influx of West African immigrants. The increased rate of immigration from West African countries emphasizes the need for public health research on the health and nutritional inequities affecting Black-identifying immigrants and their communities. This dissertation project thoroughly evaluated determinants and outcomes of dietary behavior among West African immigrants living in Chicago, IL. In 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among a volunteer sample of 372 West African immigrants (age ≥ 18 years) residing in the Chicago metropolitan area. This study accomplished three research aims. Aim 1 assessed associations between acculturation, length of stay in the U.S., and dietary behaviors (e.g., fruit, vegetable, whole grain, and added sugar consumption) among West African immigrants living in Chicago, IL. Aim 2 identified social, cultural, and environmental barriers to healthy eating (e.g., perceived cost, access to food, discrimination) and their relationship with dietary behavior among West African immigrants in Chicago, IL. Aim 3 examined the relationship between dietary behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., obesity status, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension) among West African immigrants in Chicago, IL. Overall, this 3-paper dissertation study produced novel findings on dietary behaviors of West African immigrants, an understudied population in public health and nutrition research. Furthermore, it contributed important knowledge to the field by identifying factors that influence the dietary behaviors of West African immigrants.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community Health

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Adeyemi-Benson, Oluwafikayo Seun

Contributors dc:contributor

• Singleton, Chelsea R
• Schwingel , Andiara
• Khan, Naiman A
• Aguiñaga, Susan

• Diet
• Immigrants
• Cardiovascular
• Acculturation
• Barriers
• Discrimination

Statement dc:rights

• N/A

Language dc:language

eng, en

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/124539

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/124539