Dietary acculturation of international students in Pune, India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Dietary acculturation refers to how a migrant group adopts the eating patterns of the host country. It results in changes in dietary behavior, dietary intake, and nutritional status of this vulnerable group. Aim: To study dietary acculturation of international students in Pune, India. Methods: International students from three Universities in Pune were enrolled. Information on demography, dietary behavior, and dietary intake (using a food frequency questionnaire) was recorded using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The height and weight of the students were measured using standard, calibrated equipment. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: A total of 100 international students from Iran, Africa, and South Korea were grouped by nationality. Considerable variation was detected in the daily number of meals consumed, skipping meals, portion size changes, packaged food consumption, and supplement intake following migration between the groups. The intake of non-vegetarian food had declined drastically for all groups. However, the specific non-vegetarian item showing the greatest change differed according to the group’s nationality. The intake of biscuits and cake had increased among all groups. African students showed an increase of 3.33 kg in body weight following migration. The intake of protein and micronutrients declined for all groups. Conclusions: This study highlights the changes in dietary behavior, dietary intake, and nutritional status of international students of different nationalities following migration to Pune, India. Thus, it emphasizes the need for nutrition interventions in international students in India.