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Abstract
Background: Previous studies have identified a process of dietary acculturation when migrant groups adopt the food patterns of the host country.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the influence of migration on dietary practices and the process of dietary acculturation amongst Ghanaians living in the UK.
Subject and methods: A qualitative study of adults aged ≥25 years (n = 31) of Ghanaian ancestry living in Greater Manchester using face-to-face interviews. Participants varied in socioeconomic status, gender and migration status. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.
Results: Three distinct dietary practice typologies were discernible that differed in terms of typical meal formats, meal contexts, structure and patterning of meals, food preparation and purchasing behaviours: (i) continuity practices; (ii) flexible practices; and (iii) changed practices. The identified practices were shaped by interrelating factors that fell into four main clusters: social and cultural environment; accessibility of foods; migration context; and food beliefs/perceptions.
Conclusion: Participants retained, to a varying degree, some aspects of Ghanaian dietary practices, whilst adopting key features of UK food culture. This study demonstrates the complexity of dietary change, indicating that it is not a linear process and it is dependent on several factors.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the chairman of the Ghana Union of Greater Manchester for his support in recruiting participants, members of the Ghana Union of Greater Manchester and all participants. This study was supported by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat (AMJ) International.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.