Abstract
This study aimed to explore Mexican dietary acculturation patterns among immigrants using a unique transnational photographic assessment. Participants (N = 10) were Latino mother and child pairs living in Mexico (1 pair) and in the United States (4 pairs). Data were collected in 2 phases: 1) participant observation and photography in Mexico, and 2) in-depth interviewing using photographic guides in North Carolina. Environment, daily activity patterns, shopping, and dietary patterns in Mexico were all documented. Acculturation resulted in poor dietary intake due to decreased availability, food displacement, and cost. Decreases in physical activity due to environmental and social barriers were also reported.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank all of the participants of this study for their willingness to share their experiences. We would also like to thank the university officials and social services workers in Mazatlán, Mexico for their aid in recruiting the target Mexican family. Lastly, thank you to the bilingual/bicultural community interviewers that devoted their time to this project.