Changes in Body Mass Index, Dietary Intake and Physical Activity of South African Immigrants in Hobart, Australia
Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: ENGLISH ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Immigration, especially to countries with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity, has been found to exacerbate these conditions in immigrants. This study investigated the change in dietary intake, physical activity and body mass index (BMI) of South African immigrants in Hobart, Australia. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to determine the change in BMI, the current and usual dietary intakes and perceived dietary changes and the current physical activity levels and perceived changes in physical activity since immigration of South African immigrants residing in the Greater Hobart Area. DESIGN: This study had descriptive, cross-sectional as well as analytical components. SAMPLING: Forty seven participants were recruited by contacting known immigrants, postings in newspapers, contacting immigrant social groups, contacting the Department of Economic Development as well as using the social networking program, “Facebook”. All participants had to be between the ages of 20 and 50 and have lived in Australia for longer than six months, but shorter than five years. Thirty participants completed the study with a mean age of 37.17 years. METHODS: Participants were required to complete a self-administered sociodemographic questionnaire, a 3-day diet record, physical activity questionnaire and quantified food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ). The investigator administered a weight change questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height and waist circumference measurements. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the BMIs of participants preand post-immigration (p=0.06), but the percentage of overweight female participants increased from 24% (n=4) to 29% (n=5) and the percentage of overweight male participants increased from 46% (n=6) to 69% (n=9). The percentage of obese female participants increased from 6% (n=1) to 12% (n=2) post-immigration with the male participants showing no increased prevalence of obesity. Participants appeared aware of their weight classifications with 60% (n=18) reporting that they considered themselves overweight. Mean waist circumference values of male and female participants were classified as action level 1. Forty one percent (n=7) of female participants and 31% (n=4) of male participants had waist circumference values classified as action level 2. Carbohydrate intakes were below the Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) recommendations for 84% (n=25) and 62% (n=19) of participants as indicated by the QFFQ and diet records respectively and the mean carbohydrate intake values of male and female participants (QFFQ and diet records) were below the NRV recommendations as well. Fibre intakes were below the NRV recommendations for 76% (n=23) and 82% (n=25) of participants as indicated by the QFFQ and food records respectively. Saturated fat and sodium intakes were high. Folate, calcium and potassium were consumed in lower than recommended amounts by a large proportion of participants. Sixty seven percent (n=20) of participants reported an increase in physical activity post-immigration and 70% (n=21) of participants anticipated a future increase in physical activity levels. CONCLUSION: The study population experienced an increase in weight. A number of other risk factors for cardiovascular and other chronic diseases were also identified including high waist circumference values, high saturated fat and sodium intakes and low fibre, folate, calcium and potassium intakes. Interventions aimed at decreasing the risk of South African immigrants in Hobart becoming overweight/obese and developing chronic diseases should probably be aimed at lower saturated and total fat intake, higher carbohydrate and fibre intake and plenty of dietary variation and should further encourage physical activity, but this needs to be confirmed by larger prospective studies.
Author: Marcile Stanton
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W825425826