Abstract
Chinese immigrants are a rapidly growing population in Spain, but the two countries have distinct diets. Chinese diet features low animal-based protein and plenty of plant-based foods, whereas Spanish diet is mostly animal-based with some vegetables and fruits. The present study examined the association between acculturation and dietary intakes among Chinese living in Madrid, Spain. It was hypothesized that higher acculturation levels would be associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Acculturation level was measured in 297 Chinese immigrants. Dietary intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaires and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score. Participants were grouped into low-/medium-/high-acculturation groups. The high-acculturation group reported worse adherence to the MD, higher BMIs (p=0.035, in men), and an increased intake of breakfast cereals, pasta, dairy products, nuts, legumes, and fast food. Value: few studies have investigated individuals migrating to countries with the Mediterranean diet, and none has yet focused on Chinese immigrants in Spain.
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Ismael San Mauro Martín contributed to the conception and design of work. María Inmaculada Xu Lou and Miriam Arnau Moyano contributed to data collection. Sara Sanz Rojo contributed to analysis and interpretation of data. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Elena Garicano Vilar and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors revised the manuscript critically and approved the final version for publication.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
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San Mauro Martín, I., Xu Lou, M.I., Sanz Rojo, S. et al. Food Habits of Chinese Immigrants in the Community of Madrid. Int. Migration & Integration 22, 1369–1381 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-021-00808-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-021-00808-2