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The experiences of dietary acculturation of international students in an ethnically un-diverse city and its impact on dietary health
Nwaugochi, Ifeanyi E.
Nwaugochi, Ifeanyi E.
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2023-08
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Abstract
Background: Dietary acculturation occurs when people, including students, move to a new host country and their habitual diet changes. Several factors impact international students’ dietary acculturation, including the diversity of the area. Students’ eating habits are reported to be poorer in less ethnically diverse areas where access to their cultural foods may be limited. However, these settings provide a unique opportunity to study the processes (influencers, challenges, and enablers) for eating a culturally acceptable healthy diet in the host country.
This study explores the immediate and longitudinal experiences of dietary acculturation for international students in a university and city with low ethnic diversity.
Methods: Using an interpretivist design, data were collected longitudinally, at baseline (0-2 months), at six months and one year of sojournment from a purposive sample of international students studying at a university location in the northwest of England, United Kingdom. Focus groups, one-to-one interviews and diet diaries were utilised respectively across the year, progressively focussing the discussion on the lived experience of accessing a healthy and culturally acceptable diet and dietary acculturation. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach with the guide of hermeneutic phenomenology. Analysis at baseline, six months, and one year was undertaken, followed by a trajectory analysis to understand the impact of studying and living in a city with little ethnic diversity on international students’ food and health experiences.
Results: The analysis shows that international students at the University struggled with adjusting to British cuisine and culture, leading to irregular eating habits that impacted mental health and well-being. The study found that inadequate assistance from the University with regard to diet played a significant role. Over the course of the three phases of the study, participants had limited opportunities to access a broad assortment of foods due to the constrained availability, accessibility, and affordability of familiar options in both the University cafeteria and the city of Chester.
Trajectory analysis findings highlight four central issues in accessing culturally acceptable healthy diets at a university located in a less ethnically diverse area: i) the capability and capacity to cook for one’s self; ii) orientation, catering menus, and lack of support from the institution; iii) accessing community support networks; iv) the need to improve cultural awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. The lack of social support, inclusion, and the feeling of no sense of belonging were critical determinants of the student’s experiences. Perceived discriminatory experiences contributed to poorer mental health among participants and performance in their studies.
This study suggests that it is imperative to fully grasp the importance of on-campus catering to the dietary requirements of international students for food offerings and menus in this setting. Such inclusion can go a long way towards creating a sense of belonging and promoting integration within universities that have low levels of ethnic diversity. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the development of segregation apparent in classroom settings and academic progress, which begins to perpetuate in higher education and may continue into everyday life.
Conclusion: The availability of familiar food is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet, directly affecting one’s well-being. Through promoting inclusivity and a sense of belonging, we can address the negative impact on mental health that comes with feeling disconnected. The lack of availability of culturally acceptable ethnic foods was key, and students reported feelings of exclusion linked to being unable to obtain what they would like to eat easily. Wider community support from friends, family, and local organisations was crucial in developing healthier dietary habits and, crucially, a sense of community and settling. By supporting students in this way, we help them have a positive journey of acculturation, leading to overall success. Therefore, the University in this study needs to create activities and programmes that could bring balance to the entire student population’s dietary experiences. This would promote belongingness within the student group, according to the findings of this study. In addition, this thesis emphasises the importance of university leaders acknowledging the presence of perceived discrimination and implementing an actionable plan with measurable objectives that fosters inclusivity.
This research has shown the importance of inclusivity, belonging, and integration for the dietary acculturation experiences of international students who live in a less diverse city. Whilst the research is undertaken in one such city, their findings are applicable to similar settings.
Citation
Nwaugochi, Ifeanyi E. (2023). The experiences of dietary acculturation of international students in an ethnically un-diverse city and its impact on dietary health [Unpublished doctoral thesis]. University of Chester.
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University of Chester
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Thesis or dissertation
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en