Acculturation within New Zealand Pacific communities: how does this influence diet and health?

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to examine eating related values, principles and practices of individuals of Pacific ethnicity who are living in New Zealand and how this influenced their diet and health. The study also explored themes of acculturation and the degree to which acculturation may influence diet and health. Thirty individuals who identified as Pacific participated in the study, which were audio taped, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Four major themes were derived with three to five supporting sub-themes per theme. The themes identified were: Pacific cultural identity, Translation of Pacific culture into the New Zealand context, Challenges to health due to living in New Zealand and Solutions. These finding were discussed within the broader context of how acculturation, and the resulting practices and principles influence health and health outcomes.