From Sudan to Nebraska: Dinka and Nuer Refugee Diet Dilemmas
Abstract
Objective
Examination of current dietary patterns of Dinka and Nuer refugees from Sudan to the United States prior to dental restoration and nutrition training.
Design
Thirty-one participants were interviewed regarding current intake and knowledge of US food and nutrition principles. Twenty-nine completed three 24-hour food diaries.
Setting
Refugee homes, campus offices, and classrooms in a midwestern city.
Participants
Eight Nuer females and 9 Nuer and 14 Dinka males participating in a program to replace lower front teeth traditionally extracted in childhood.
Phenomenon of Interest
Are refugees familiar with preparing and consuming US foods given that dental restoration will allow, for example, raw and/or tough food to be nipped or incised? Are diets substantively different from African ones, eg, sugar-rich, fat-rich, and dairy-poor?
Analysis
Interview data and diet diaries were matched, and data were compared for common themes and patterns.
Results
Refugees ate a monotonous diet, with few fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. All lacked familiarity with US foods and preparation techniques but ate convenience foods and sweetened beverages in large quantities.
Conclusions and Implications
Refugees possessed limited understanding of “healthful” US food and were overwhelmed by choices. Regardless of dental status and time in the United States, few had selection and preparation skills for US foods. Nutrient deficiency and related disease are likely without intervention.
Address for correspondence: Mary S. Willis, PhD, Department of Anthropology and Geography, 928 Oldfather Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0368; Tel: (402) 472-9677; Fax: (402) 472-9642
Funding for this project was provided by The Jacob and Valeria Langeloth Foundation, New York, New York.
ABSTRACT