Browsing by Author "Palokangas, Eeva"

The purpose of the study was to explore the conceptions of healthy eating of immigrants living in Finland. In addition, the aim was to investigate the factors influencing food choice. The main research question was as follows: What kind of perceptions do the immigrants have about the recommended diet? The study had three additional questions: 1.) What does a healthy diet mean for immigrants? 2) On what basis immigrants make food choices? 3) Which factors may inhibit or promote the recommended choices? The data were collected in March 2016 via individual interviews with four Latino immigrants, aged 27 to 42 years old. Participants had lived in Finland six to eleven years. Immigrants were interviewed in Finnish and English was spoken when necessary. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. After that the data were analyzed by using qualitative, theory based content analysis method. According to the study, the immigrants were very interested in the health promoting diet. An increase in knowledge and the creation of a family increased interest in a healthy diet. Also, immigration affects diet. Information on the health effects of food was directed by the food choice. Factors affecting immigrant`s food choices were taste, availability, safety and health aspects. Immigrants acquire foods in many ways. If necessary, they are ordering food from online stores. They also do their shopping in ethnic shops and restaurants.