Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Analyzing Gene Expression from Marine Microbial Communities using Environmental Transcriptomics
Published on: February 18, 2009
Factors associated with dietary acculturation among international students at the University of Georgia
Julie A Dean1, Sina Gallo1, Alex K Anderson1
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Objective:
Western diet is associated with chronic disease risk, and degree of dietary acculturation can impact susceptibility. This study sought to understand the factors associated with changes in food consumption habits among international students at a large public university in the southern US.
Participants:
A convenience sample of 173 international students representing 41 countries at The University of Georgia participated in the survey.
Methods:
This cross-sectional online survey assessed dietary habits, perception of healthy eating, and level of acculturation using previously validated measures.
Results:
Highest number of participants were from China (19.2%), 89.0% were graduate students with an average age of 27.5 ± 4.83 years. The majority (62.0%) of participants were dietary acculturated with affordability and accessibility determining types of food consumption, as fewer whole foods and more processed foods were consumed in the U.S.
Conclusions:
Findings suggest dietary acculturation may be driven by economic factors, making the transition to Westernized food items a convenient and cost-effective choice among international students.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Cross-Sectional Research
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
Drug Absorption: Factors Affecting GI Absorption
In...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture

