'We should eat it wisely, in a good way': Knowledge, perceptions and understanding of childhood obesity and overweight among Sudanese refugee parents in South Australia

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a significant global problem, acknowledged to be a determinant of multiple chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychosocial problems. International evidence points to the children of migrant populations as being at high risk, with socio-economic, environmental and cultural factors all implicated as determinants of obesity. A significant number of young Sudanese families have settled in Australia but, to date, there has been minimal research into this problem in the Australian context. From within the community there are growing concerns about how to stop obesity and chronic disease from becoming issues. This research was aimed at exploring understandings of childhood obesity and overweight among Sudanese refugee parents resettled in Adelaide, South Australia. A qualitative approach was used, with data collected through face-toface interviews. Interview data were transcribed, coded and analysed thematically. Participants demonstrated their understanding that there are multiple and complex determinants of childhood obesity. They identified issues such as food access, the quality of available food, the role of parents, physical inactivity and features of local environments as specific issues for the Sudanese community in South Australia.