Exploring the relationship between transnational African migrants and dietary risk factors for hypertension

Background: Studies have found that particular behaviors in daily life activities—considered also in light of factors like diet, physical activity, genetics, and stress—may serve as risk factors for hypertension across various ethnicities worldwide and within the US as well. In this qualitative study, we investigated factors for hypertension specifically for US transnational African migrants; a migrant cohort subset that includes individuals who maintain sociocultural ties with friends and families in their communities of origin.

Methods:Using PEN-3 model, we conducted focus group interviews with 14 transnational African migrants in the Chicago area to gain insight into the relationship between this group and hypertension risk factors related to diet. Transcripts were coded to highlight cultural practices and transnational activities that reflected on the health behaviors of transnational African migrants with respect to diet.

Results: Transnational African migrants in the US maintain strong ties with their community of origin, which influences dietary health behaviors and attitudes. Some themes were fresh eating, personal connections and limited time. Transnational African migrants display the ability to bring fresh indigenous ingredients to maintain traditional dishes from their native homeland through their strong connections.

Discussion: Despite this unique ability of bringing in African traditional foods through personal connections, there are still barriers and challenges these African migrants face in maintaining culture but also conforming to norms of US acculturation. One small but significant implication our data might serve is to advocate for the further exploration of African migrant health behaviors and risk factors to chronic diseases.