Differences in dietary patterns between native and immigrant populations in Spain

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Spain's increasing migration has created a multicultural society, impacting lifestyles and health.
• Understanding dietary patterns in diverse populations is crucial for public health.
• Previous research has not fully explored the nuances of fruit, vegetable, and sugary drink consumption among migrant populations in Spain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe sugary drink, fruit, and vegetable consumption in native and immigrant populations in the Valencian Community.
• To investigate the association between dietary patterns and socioeconomic factors and lifestyles in these groups.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study using data from the Valencian Community Adult Health Survey (2016).
• Analysis included a representative sample of 5485 non-institutionalized adults (≥15 years).
• Dietary intake (fruit, vegetables, sugary drinks) was analyzed by country of birth, sex, and socioeconomic/lifestyle factors.

Main Results:

• Immigrant men showed higher risks for inadequate vegetable intake but lower risks for inadequate sugary drink consumption compared to natives.
• Immigrant women had lower risks for inadequate vegetable intake but higher risks for inadequate sugary drink consumption.
• Significant variations in consumption were linked to education, social class, age, employment, exercise, and perceived weight.

Conclusions:

• Public health policies need a population-based approach considering origin and socioeconomic inequalities.
• Interventions should target at-risk groups identified through origin and socioeconomic status.
• Addressing dietary disparities is essential for improving migrant health outcomes in multicultural societies.