| Background: International students in U.S. face acculturation stresses in language, personal relationships, academic performance, and eating patterns.;Objective: To identify impacts of acculturation on changes in eating patterns in East Asian students studying in Seattle Area. Aims are to assess degree of diet pattern change before and after coming to U.S., factors that impact current diet choices, BMI status, acculturation level, and diet compared with USDA recommendations.;Methods: A cross-sectional study included an online survey and individual interviews. Participants were from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, or Macau. Data were collected via REDCap(TM) questionnaires and analyzed by SPSS. Dietary data were collected from interviews and analyzed by ESHA Food Processor and compared to USDA food groups.;Results: Of 44 participants 23 successfully completed questionnaires (69.6% females; 30.4% males). 21 participants reported weight change. However, BMI changes overall were not significant. Food accessibility factors were cost, supermarket location, food preparation time, and native food availability. There was no significant difference between food items on food frequency questions before and after coming to the U.S. The overall average acculturation score was 2.22 +/- 6.24, which is low acculturation toward American culture. Males were more acculturated than females. Of 20 interview participants (55% males; 45% females), no significant differences in grain and vegetable consumption compared with USDA dietary guidelines was noted.;Conclusion: International students face changes in food accessibility, food choice, and acculturation factors that influence eating patterns. This study describes food accessibility challenges and food acceptance attitudes of East Asian international students. |
