Moderating Effects of Socio-Demographic Factors in Associations Between Acculturation and Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviours: a Study of Australian Residents Born in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated that acculturation shapes post-migration dietary and physical activity behaviours, but the additional effect of socio-demographic factors in this relationship is under-researched. This study examined the moderating effects of socio-demographic factors in the relationship between acculturation and dietary and physical activity behaviours. Using quota sampling and self-selection methods, 253 Australian residents born in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) were recruited for a survey. Dietary behaviour was measured by fat intake and fruits/vegetables/fibre intake. Physical activity was assessed by activities at work, travel, and recreation. Socio-demographic factors in this study comprised gender, age, duration of residence in Australia, place of residence before immigration, Australian state of residence, employment status, and income levels. Acculturation was measured by maintenance of heritage culture (cultural maintenance) and participation in host country culture (cultural participation). The findings indicate that none of the socio-demographic variables had significant effects on the relationship between acculturation and fat intake. In contrast, fruits/vegetables/fibre intake was significantly associated with cultural maintenance, but the association differed significantly by age groups. A significant relationship was also found between fruits/vegetables/fibre intake and cultural participation among those with shorter duration of residence (< 10 years) in Australia as well as those who resided in urban areas before immigration. Physical activity was significantly associated with cultural maintenance among younger participants (aged < 37 years). Overall, the findings demonstrate that associations between post-migration dietary and physical activity behaviours and acculturation are partly moderated by age, duration of residence, place of residence before immigration, and employment status. While recognising that these associations need to be explored further using a bigger sample size, the findings provide important first evidence on the interplay between acculturation and socio-demographic factors in understanding health behaviours in this population.