Post-migration dietary changes among African refugees in Geneva: a rapid assessment study to inform nutritional interventions

Objectives: To conduct an assessment of perceived dietary changes and problems by African asylum seekers, in order to develop appropriate nutritional education interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study among a convenience sample. Analysis compared and contrasted reported dietary changes and migration-related difficulties. Results: Nineteen interviews were analysed. After migration, main dietary changes were the decrease in different fruits and vegetables consumed weekly from 10 to 2 and 17 to 10 respectively. The number of respondents drinking sweetened beverages more than 3 times a week increased from 3 to 18. Reasons for changes were related to prices, taste, choice and accessibility. Conclusion: These dietary changes may have serious health consequences. Future remedial interventions based on suggestions of the respondents could easily be implemented.