COMPARING FOOD AND NUTRIENT INTAKES BETWEEN ADULTS BORN IN ENGLISH-SPEAKING AND NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM AUSTRALIAN HEALTH SURVEY-NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DATA 2011-2012

Background and Aim: New migration patterns in Australia portrays domination by non-English-speaking migrants. Chronic disease patterns among these groups are similar to the Australian-born. This study aimed to investigate differences in food and nutrients intakes between adults born in English-speaking countries and non-English-speaking countries Methods: This study utilised data from the 2011 Australian Health Survey (n=9435). The Sample was classified into two groups: 1) those adults who born in English-speaking countries including Australia (N= 7869) and 2) those who were born in non-English-speaking-countries (N=1566). 24-hour dietary recalls were assessed. Chi- square and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to determine the relationship between country of birth, and energy, nutrient, and fruit and vegetable intake Results: There was a higher proportion of adults born in non-English-speaking countries who consumed two serves of fruit or higher compared to adults born in English-speaking countries (54.9% and 47.6% respectively, p<0.001), whereas a higher proportion of adults born in English-speaking countries consumed 3 or more serves of vegetables per day (44.9% and 32.4% respectively, p<0.001). Compared to adults born in English-speaking countries, those born in non-English speaking countries consumed a lower absolute daily intake of energy, fat, protein, Ca, Zn, Iron and Iodine, folate and pro-vitamin A (all P<0.001)Conclusion: Differences in micronutrient, fruits and vegetable intake were seen between those born in English speaking countries compared to non-English speaking countries. In public health efforts, considering place of birth may facilitate the development of targeted nutrition interventions to prevent chronic diseases in the diverse populations such as Australia

Keywords:

dietary intake , non-English-speaking migrants , place of birth