A qualitative study of dietary and healthful eating patterns among Hmong population in the US

Background. Hmong population in United States is at an increased risk for obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer. This increased risk may be partly attributed to changes in the dietary pattern of Hmong Americans post immigration to United States. There is limited understanding of dietary and healthful eating patterns among Hmong population in the US.

Objective: To examine dietary patterns and barriers to healthful eating among Hmong American community living in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Methods. This qualitative study used key informant interviews from Hmong American community in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  The key informants included Hmong community leaders, healthcare providers, and agency personnel working closely with the community. Transcript based analysis of key themes was conducted.

Results. Main themes emerging from the interviews included increase in consumption of meat, decrease in consumption of vegetables, increase in intake of foods high in sugar, preference for deep-fried food, and snacking between foods in Hmong population post immigration to United States. Participants identified several barriers to healthful eating including a preference for overweight body image in Hmong culture, cultural beliefs of illness being a consequence of under-nutrition rather than over-nutrition, accessibility, and affordability of energy-dense food in United States. 

Conclusions. Hmong population living in United States has undergone significant changes in their dietary patterns that may be contributing to increased risk of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases in the community. In addition, certain cultural beliefs may be barriers to healthful eating in Hmong population living in United States.