ABSTRACT
Background
Women face challenges maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These challenges may be heightened for African migrant women who have cultural dietary preferences that can complicate food decision-making. This study aimed to understand African women’s food related perceptions after migrating to Australia.
Methods
Eleven African migrant women who were either currently or had been pregnant in Australia were recruited. Qualitative photo-elicitation interviews were conducted between November 2023 and March 2024. Participants shared photos representing foods they considered to be healthy and unhealthy during pregnancy and postpartum. A deductive qualitative approach to analysis using NVivo 14 was employed.
Results
Two key themes were identified: 1) the perceptions of healthy foods during pregnancy and the postpartum period and 2) the perceptions of unhealthy foods during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Meals that were considered healthy for pregnancy were those that were balanced, homemade, and energy-providing. Foods considered unhealthy were convenience and ultra-processed foods.
Conclusions
Participants’ perceptions of healthy and unhealthy foods were not influenced by cultural dietary restrictions. Foods traditionally restricted during pregnancy in Africa were described as healthier choices. While women did maintain some cultural practices, they also described blending traditional African and Western foods in their diets.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 39, Issue 2, April 2026. Read More