Cultural and Social Influences on Food Consumption in Dutch Residents of Turkish and Moroccan Origin: A Qualitative Study
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.
1Department of Social Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2Department of Nutrition and Health, Institute for Health Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
4EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Address for correspondence: Mary Nicolaou, Department of Social Medicine, AMC, PO Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Phone: +31 20 5665033; Fax: +30 20 6972316
This project was funded by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw, project number 36100029).
ABSTRACT