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This study sought to examine food choice motives and influences among
Oregon Latinos to gain a greater understanding of their dietary acculturation. Previous
studies relying principally on quantitative methods to assess the relationship between
acculturation and diet have reported inconsistent results, though a general decline in
diet quality is reported with increased acculturation. In contrast, this research used
quantitative and qualitative methods and revealed some positive dietary changes with
increased acculturation. Quantitative surveys were used to collect data on frequency
of consuming traditional Mexican foods versus mainstream American foods among
self-identified Latino parents and their 10-13 year old children. Interviews were then
conducted to elicit influential factors on making traditional Mexican vs. mainstream
American food choices. Data from the surveys suggest that parents are consuming
traditional Mexican foods at a higher frequency than the children and the children are
consuming mainstream American foods at a higher frequency than the parents. The
interviews elicited themes that included: preference for Mexican foods, a value for
ethnic identity, perceptions for valuing both Mexican and mainstream American
foods, a preference for fresh, homemade food, ease of maintaining Mexican foods
upon immigration, acculturation impact upon food choice, family and social network
influences, increased health knowledge, and heavy is healthy. The qualitative piece of
the study suggests dietary acculturation is highly complex and qualitative methods
may prove worthwhile in achieving clarity in understanding of the process. |
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