(P22-027-24) Characteristics of Dietary Behaviors and Effects of Acculturation in East African Immigrants Living in the San Diego Area: Preliminary Insights From the HAWAASH2 Study

Objectives: To characterize dietary behaviors among East African immigrants residing in the San Diego area.

Methods: In partnership with the United Women of East Africa and East African Cultural Center, we recruited a sample of 44 individuals who are immigrants living in San Diego. Data about demographics, dietary behaviors, including spice/herb use, and cardiometabolic health were collected between May 2023 and January 2024 through the REDCap survey platform. Participants responded to the survey in English, and standardized assistance with interpretation was provided, if needed.

Results: The sample is 75% female, with a median age of 37 years (IQR: 24, 51.25). Seventy percent of participants were born outside the United States (US), and within this group there were 55% born in Somalia, 16% born in Ethiopia, 13% born in Sudan, 6% born in Kenya, 3% born in Eritrea, 3% born in Morocco, and 3% did not specify country. Ninety-six percent of the sample observe the Muslim religion. Sixty-eight percent of participants achieved a high school degree or higher. Eighty-two percent of participants earned a household income under the median household income in San Diego ($98,657).

Twenty-seven percent of participants reported having a hypertension or pre-hypertension diagnosis and of those that did not report a diagnosis (n=30), 93% have a family history of hypertension. Thirty-two percent of participants reported having been diagnosed with diabetes. Among individuals not born in the US, 32% reported a perceived decline in overall health post-migration. Seventy percent of the overall sample reported consistently cooking meals at home, and 57% reported making a conscious effort to integrate cultural traditions when choosing healthier foods. Ginger (89%), Black Pepper (84%) and Cilantro (84%) were identified as the highest utilized herbs and spices by this sample.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that East African immigrants desire to continue incorporating their cultural foods and practices in their lifestyles. This underscores the importance of tailoring dietary interventions for East African immigrants by emphasizing integration of culturally significant foods and ingredients such as herbs and spices.

Funding Sources: McCormick Science Institute