Enablers and barriers to dietary practices contributing to bone health among early adolescent Somali girls living in Minnesota

Purpose. To explore the dietary factors that contribute to bone health among first generation Somali girls and to determine the social and cultural contexts that shape these health behaviors. Design and Methods. Findings presented are from a larger, descriptive qualitative study that used a series of focus groups with four cohorts of 11- to 14-year-old Somali girls (n= 39) living in two Minnesota communities. Results. Cultural tradition, developmental stage, acculturation, and environment were major factors contributing to the intake of calcium and vitamin D-rich foods. Practice Implications. Findings provide the foundation for the development of culturally relevant promotion of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.