Food Behaviors and Dietary Acculturation of Asian Indians in the US.

OBJECTIVE: To examine food behaviors and dietary acculturation of Asian Indians in the US.

DESIGN: Qualitative focus group discussions.

SETTING: Public library and university.

PARTICIPANTS: Thirty Asian Indian adults in a US Midwestern state.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participant perceptions of food behaviors and 24-hour modified weekday and weekend dietary recalls.

ANALYSIS: Eight focus group transcripts and participant dietary recalls were independently analyzed by 2 Asian Indian moderators using the constant comparison method.

RESULTS: The sample (n = 16 males and 14 females) consisted of a variable group of Asian Indians from different generations, religions, and places of origin in India. Key themes associated with modification of traditional behaviors were social independence, social network influences, increased health awareness, cost and quality of Asian Indian foods, and time constraints and convenience.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study elucidated dietary behaviors and factors that contribute to dietary acculturation of Asian Indians, which are important considerations for health professionals. These findings inform researchers regarding the development of culturally appropriate dietary assessment measures targeted at Asian Indian individuals.