Diet and Overweight Perception An explorative study among Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese migrants living in the Netherlands

Background: To examine the associations of ethnicity, acculturation variables and education level with diet in Surinamese (South Asian and Afro-Caribbean origin) and ethnic Dutch residents of the Netherlands. Methods: We included 1528 randomly selected men and women aged 35-60yrs. Intakes of fruit, vegetables, red meat, fish, vegetable oils, breakfast and salt were measured using a short questionnaire that formed the basis for a “diet quality indicator” score. Highest education was measured and acculturation of the Surinamese was assessed by age at migration, number of resident years and a scale measure of social contacts with ethnic Dutch. Results: Compared with ethnic Dutch, Surinamese scored higher on overall diet quality (p≤0.001) but some aspects of diet (breakfast and salt use) were less prudent. Education was positively associated with diet quality in ethnic Dutch (p≤0.01), but not in Surinamese. Associations with social contact with ethnic Dutch varied for different aspects of the diet. Residence duration (mean=22yrs) and age at migration (mean=21yrs) were not associated with diet. Conclusions: A greater degree of acculturation does not necessarily lead to a less healthful diet. The association of education level with diet may differ for migrant groups. Ethnicity was associated with differences in diet, suggesting that it should be considered in nutrition health promotion.