Factors associated with dietary acculturation among international students at the University of Georgia

Abstract

Objective Western diet is associated with chronic disease risk, and degree of dietary acculturation can impact susceptibility. This study sought to understand the factors associated with changes in food consumption habits among international students at a large public university in the southern US. Participants A convenience sample of 173 international students representing 41 countries at The University of Georgia participated in the survey. Methods This cross-sectional online survey assessed dietary habits, perception of healthy eating, and level of acculturation using previously validated measures. Results Highest number of participants were from China (19.2%), 89.0% were graduate students with an average age of 27.5 ± 4.83 years. The majority (62.0%) of participants were dietary acculturated with affordability and accessibility determining types of food consumption, as fewer whole foods and more processed foods were consumed in the U.S. Conclusions Findings suggest dietary acculturation may be driven by economic factors, making the transition to Westernized food items a convenient and cost-effective choice among international students.