The Influence of Ethnic and Prevailing Cultures on the Dietary Practices of Adult Immigrant Nigerians Living in the UK: A Phenomenological Study Using the Bourdiuesian Lens

Abstract

Introduction: Morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases among ethnic minority groups, including the Nigerian community, are higher when compared with the white population group in the UK. Evidence suggests that diet is a major modifiable disease risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Diet depends on several other factors, including culture, affordability, availability of food, particularly those commonly consumed by the community. Changes to diet (a process known as dietary acculturation) are reported to negatively impact the health of ethnic minority groups post-migration. However, published models of dietary acculturation only explain the changes and processes and not the underlying reasons for dietary change post-migration. Furthermore, understanding of the reasons for dietary change, the influence of culture, and other factors on the dietary practices and health of the Nigerian community and other ethnic minority populations in the UK is limited. This study explores the impact of dietary choices in the immigrant Nigerian community living in the UK, within the context of culture and other factors. Exploring the reasons for dietary change and the influence of culture using a sociological lens, namely Bourdieu’s theory of practice, is useful to better understand the development of health inequalities among ethnic communities. Methods: This thesis is situated within the interpretivism paradigm, driven by Heidegger’s phenomenological existentialism as a theoretical framework, with Bourdieu’s theory of practice used as the conceptual framework. iv Integrating existential phenomenology and Bourdieu’s theory enhanced the assumptions about the nature of existence or reality and helped to extend knowledge and understanding of the topic researched. Using a Hermeneutic phenomenological design, a qualitative research methodology that entails exploring individuals lived experiences, and with the aid of purposive sampling, community networks, and snowballing, were leveraged to assist in recruiting participants, based on socioeconomic factors, from the adult Nigerian population in Manchester and London. Using an informed consent process, seventeen one-to-one telephone semi-structured interviews were undertaken, enabling detailed information about culture, dietary choices, and finances to be collected. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clark’s six-step guide reflexive thematic analysis approach, and Bourdieu’s theory of practice to guide and extend further the meaning of the data. Results: Viewing findings through the lens of Bourdieu's theory of practice, interactions between the concepts of habitus, field, and capital assist in explaining the retention of the Nigerian traditional dietary practice and the adoption of food regarded as unhealthy as a direct response to the increasing cost-of-living crisis. Other findings that were not the focus of the thesis were revealed. For example, most participants had limited knowledge of health-related diseases, healthy diets, and an understanding of health promotion resources. Furthermore, participants report what they now eat, and activities adopted to support eating in response to the increasing cost-of-living crisis. Conclusion: Dietary acculturation is inevitable among immigrant population. Embedding sociological theory in understanding diet related phenomenon is important to better understand health inequalities related to diet. Holding on to ethnic and cultural diets and the adoption of unhealthy dietary practices cause concern since energy-dense and nutrient-poor, low-quality diets are high-risk factors for chronic diseases. The need to develop culturally appropriate strategies to support healthy eating on a budget for this ethnic group is paramount to prevent poor health outcomes. Findings can be used for developing strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the widening ethnic health inequalities v concerning known diet-related disease risk factors