Food Selection Factors and Perceived Influence on Household Foods Post-Arrival to the U.S. of Newcomer Immigrant and Refugee Adolescents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine food selection factors and influence on household food selection by newcomer immigrant and refugee adolescents. Participants (n = 68) reported healthfulness (70.1%) and taste (44.2%) as their primary influencing factors. Adolescents’ Refugee camp experience, BMI, sex, and ethnicity were associated with reported influences on food selection. Most (85.3%) had tried new foods, reported influence on household food selection (81%) and new food consumption was associated with adolescents’ influence on the overall household’s food selection. In summary, a variety of factors influence adolescent newcomer’s food selection and influence on household food selection is high.