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Acculturation and health behaviors among international students: A qualitative approach

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  • Zi Yan
  • Kathleen FitzPatrick

Abstract

The process of acculturation often results in changes in the health behavior of international students. This study employed an open‐ended, qualitative approach in an attempt to gain an in‐depth understanding of the acculturation process for physical activity, diet, and drinking behavior among international students. Eighteen undergraduate international students (average age 19.20, standard deviation 1.21) were interviewed for 45–60 min. Most of the international students became more physically active after they arrived in the United States. Facilitators included accessibility, weight management, free time, and role modeling. Most international students were unsatisfied with the food on campus. Their strategies for adjusting to this included ordering food from restaurants, visiting supermarkets, and moving off campus. Most international students felt uncomfortable with the drinking culture in the United States, although some of them felt drinking was a good way to socialize with Americans and explore American culture. Colleges and universities should adopt strategies to better help their international students build lifelong healthy behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Zi Yan & Kathleen FitzPatrick, 2016. "Acculturation and health behaviors among international students: A qualitative approach," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(1), pages 58-63, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:nuhsci:v:18:y:2016:i:1:p:58-63
    DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12232
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abraído-Lanza, Ana F. & Chao, Maria T. & Flórez, Karen R., 2005. "Do healthy behaviors decline with greater acculturation?: Implications for the Latino mortality paradox," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(6), pages 1243-1255, September.
    2. Chun, Kevin M. & Chesla, Catherine A. & Kwan, Christine M.L., 2011. ""So We Adapt Step by Step": Acculturation experiences affecting diabetes management and perceived health for Chinese American immigrants," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(2), pages 256-264, January.
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    1. Miae Doo & Chunyang Wang, 2022. "Differences in Overweight or Obesity, Changes in Dietary Habits after Studying Abroad and Sleep Quality by Acculturative Degree among Asian Foreign Students: A Cross Sectional Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-9, April.
    2. Weiyu Mao & Jia Li & Ling Xu & Iris Chi, 2020. "Acculturation and health behaviors among older Chinese immigrants in the United States: A qualitative descriptive study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(3), pages 714-722, September.
    3. Michał Machul & Monika Bieniak & Justyna Chałdaś-Majdańska & Jadwiga Bąk & Agnieszka Chrzan-Rodak & Paulina Mazurek & Piotr Pawłowski & Daria Makuch-Kuśmierz & Anna Obuchowska & Adrianna Bartoszek & K, 2020. "Lifestyle Practices, Satisfaction with Life and the Level of Perceived Stress of Polish and Foreign Medical Students Studying in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.
    4. Xiyao Liu & Haoyue Chen & Qianling Zhou & Huifeng Zhang & Phensiri Asawasirisap & John Kearney, 2020. "Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) towards Diet and Health among International Students in Dublin: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-13, May.

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