Dietary acculturation and health implications among Ethiopian immigrants in Washington, DC

This study examines the dietary patterns of Ethiopian immigrants, focusing on how cultural, social, and environmental factors influence their food choices post-migration. While migration studies have increasingly explored dietary acculturation and health outcomes, much existing research generalizes diverse immigrant populations, overlooking the unique experiences of specific groups. This exploratory qualitative study addresses this gap by examining how a small group of Ethiopian immigrants in the Washington, D.C., area described continuity, change, and negotiation in their everyday food practices after migration. Participants described diverse and context-dependent changes in eating practices, including the continued use of traditional Ethiopian foods alongside more convenient foods available in the United States. Key influences include cultural identity negotiation, religious and cultural food preferences, challenges in preserving traditional dietary practices, and the impact of social and environmental factors on eating habits. The study also identifies physical consequences of dietary changes, including weight fluctuations and altered energy levels, highlighting the health implications of dietary acculturation. This study provides exploratory, context-specific insight into how communal eating, religious fasting, social support, and access to culturally familiar foods may shape dietary acculturation among a small group of Ethiopian immigrants. The findings may inform future research on culturally responsive nutrition support, but they are not intended to represent Ethiopian immigrants in the United States more broadly.