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Maintenance of traditional cultural orientation is associated with lower rates of obesity and sedentary behaviours among African migrant children to Australia

International Journal of Obesity volume 32, pages 594–600 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Background:

Migrants from developing to developed countries rapidly develop more obesity than the host population. While the effects of socio-economic status on obesity are well established, the influence of cultural factors, including acculturation, is not known.

Objective:

To examine the association between acculturation and obesity and its risk factors among African migrant children in Australia.

Design and participants:

A cross-sectional study using a non-probability sample of 3- to 12-year-old sub-Saharan African migrant children. A bidimensional model of strength of affiliation with African and Australian cultures was used to divide the sample into four cultural orientations: traditional (African), assimilated (Australian), integrated (both) and marginalized (neither).

Main outcome measures:

Body mass index (BMI), leisure-time physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SBs) and energy density of food.

Results:

In all, 18.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14–23%) were overweight and 8.6% (95% CI: 6–12%) were obese. After adjustment for confounders, integrated (β=1.1; P<0.05) and marginalized (β=1.4; P<0.01) children had higher BMI than traditional children. However, integrated children had significantly higher time engaged in both PA (β=46.9, P<0.01) and SBs (β=43.0, P<0.05) than their traditional counterparts. In comparison with traditional children, assimilated children were more sedentary (β=57.5, P<0.01) while marginalization was associated with increased consumption of energy-dense foods (β=42.0, P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Maintenance of traditional orientation was associated with lower rates of obesity and SBs. Health promotion programs and frameworks need to be rooted in traditional values and habits to maintain and reinforce traditional dietary and PA habits, as well as identify the marginalized clusters and address their needs.

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Acknowledgements

This study was partially supported by a grant from the Ian Potter Foundation. Data presented in the current paper represent a summary of elaborated data in the book to be published by Nova Science in New York (reference 25). The publisher has kindly given a written permission to draw from the book content and summarize the findings for a peer-reviewed article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia

    A M N Renzaho

  2. Faculty of Health Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia

    B Swinburn

  3. Faculty of Health Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia

    C Burns

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Correspondence to A M N Renzaho.

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Renzaho, A., Swinburn, B. & Burns, C. Maintenance of traditional cultural orientation is associated with lower rates of obesity and sedentary behaviours among African migrant children to Australia. Int J Obes 32, 594–600 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2008.2

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