Association of dietary intake and dietary habits with risk of cardiovascular disease among immigrant Pakistanis living in the Netherlands.

Qaisar Raza Qaisar Raza,Mary Nicolaou Mary Nicolaou,Funda Cay Funda Cay,Jaap Seidell Jaap Seidell

doi:10.47391/jpma.219

Qaisar Raza Qaisar Raza, Mary Nicolaou Mary Nicolaou + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.47391/jpma.219

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Abstract

To explore the current intake/changed dietary habits being associated with risk of cardiovascular disease after migration from Pakistan to the Netherlands. Data collection started in March 2012 and ended in July 2013. Self-administered survey with respect to cardiovascular disease and dietary intake was filled by 154 adult Pakistanis. Participants were approached through festivals and community centres. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. There were 41 (61%) participants who reported drinking fruit juice every day, while 13 (18.6%) participants reported drinking soft drinks 5-7 days a week. In addition, 20 (30%) participants reported decreased intake of high fat/fried foods, deserts/candy/sweets and red meat, while 23 (35%) reported an increased intake of soft drinks and convenience foods, as far as high calorie and refined food items were considered, after migration. The study showed significant changes in dietary habits, both favourable and unfavourable, being associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases among immigrant Pakistanis living in The Netherlands.

Highlights

Migration and acculturation are associated with risks of chronic disease patterns.[1,2] Most epidemiological studies have shown that South Asians living in western countries have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as compared to local population.[2,3] Pakistan is one of the largest countries in South Asia, with a population of 180 million
After migration to western countries, though, South Asians are influenced by the food culture of local population, while they contribute to widening the spectre of existing food habits through shops and restaurants, like other migrant communities.[8,9]
There were a total of 154 Pakistanis who were asked to fill in the questionnaire for this study; 5 questionnaires had missing and irrelevant information, so they were not included in the analysis

Summary

Introduction

Migration and acculturation are associated with risks of chronic disease patterns.[1,2] Most epidemiological studies have shown that South Asians living in western countries have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as compared to local population.[2,3] Pakistan is one of the largest countries in South Asia, with a population of 180 million. After migration to western countries, though, South Asians are influenced by the food culture of local population, while they contribute to widening the spectre of existing food habits through shops and restaurants, like other migrant communities.[8,9]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion