The Association of Acculturation and Complementary Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices Among New Chinese Immigrant Mothers in England: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Acculturation has an influence on mothers’ beliefs and the perceived behaviours of different ethnicities. Few studies have been conducted on complementary infant and young child feeding practices (CIYCFP) in minorities in England, particularly in Chinese immigrants. This mixed study aims to explore the association of acculturation and IYCF among new Chinese immigrant mothers using purposive snowball sampling from an informal Chinese community. The participants’ responses to the Infant Feeding Style Questionnaire (IFSQ) and Mutual Intercultural Relations in Plural Societies (MIRIPS), questionnaire (n = 32) were collected. A sub-set of 15 also participated in semi-structured interviews. Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis and thematic analysis were performed to analyse the survey and semi-structured interview data, and triangulation was employed to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings. This study indicated that Chinese mothers who scored high in integration were more likely to respond to satiety and attention; those inclined to be marginalised were more likely to indulge their children. Those who were more culturally separated were more likely to restrict the food quality offered to their children. This study also indicated that Chinese immigrants balanced western and Chinese feeding practices to combat feeding and culture conflict. This study presents preliminary findings of the association between acculturation and CIYCFP, which can improve culturally appropriate CIYCFP in minorities. Further studies are needed to explore intervention programs to tailor CIYCFP with consideration for acculturation in the minority.