Dietary acculturation and perception of healthy diet among elderly Pakistani immigrants in Oslo, Norway: A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background: The number of elderly Pakistani immigrants living in Norway is increasing. Dietary habits are essential in maintaining health and wellbeing among elderly. Over time, traditional dietary practices may have evolved among elderly immigrants. However, few studies have focused particularly on this group. This study explores dietary acculturation and its process after migrating from Pakistan to Norway. It centers around their perceptions and experiences of dietary adjustments, early challenges within a new setting and present dietary practices.

Objective: To explore the dietary acculturation process after migration, present dietary habits and health concerns among elderly Pakistani immigrants in Oslo.

Method and target group: The study utilized qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. It was conducted in Oslo, Norway. It includes 6 individuals interviews and one with one couple, comprising 4 female and 4 male participants. Informants were selected through purposively sample combined with snowball sampling. The interviews were conducted in native language, Urdu and then translated to English. Thematic analysis was used as a method of analysis of the interviews and Berry´s model of acculturation was used to better understand the experiences of participants. Ethical approval was obtained from SIKT.

Result: Findings reveal that despite recognizing health benefits of Norwegian cuisine, elderly Pakistani immigrants prefer traditional cuisine as it provides comfort and sense of familiarity. Participants disclosed their struggles to access familiar and religiously appropriate food in the beginning. Several factors influencing their dietary acculturation and meal planning throughout were discussed including cultural and generational preferences, health concerns, and environmental factors, such as climate and food accessibility. Some initial challenges were language illiteracy, cultural differences, and limited access to halal food. They eventually acknowledged the progression in the availability of culturally and religiously appropriate foods.

Conclusion: The study highlights the complex and multifaced process of dietary acculturation among elderly Pakistani immigrants. Even if elements form the Norwegian food culture are integrated in the diet, they indicate preferences for familiar food. Health concerns are also an important for their dietary habits. These findings indicate the importance of culturally sensitive public health strategies to when addressing immigrant communities in having a healthy diet. Ensuring improved access to culturally and religiously appropriate foods among elderly Pakistani immigrants which may enhance health and wellness of this population.