Navigating Diet and Nutrition

An Analysis of Programs Targeting Newcomer Populations

Abstract

This integrative review examines the effectiveness of programs promoting healthy eating habits among newcomers in high-income countries. Given the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer, largely influenced by lifestyle choices, this review identifies dietary habits as a crucial, modifiable risk factor. Utilizing a methodological framework that incorporates searches across academic databases, hand-searching of references, and grey literature examination, this review aims to aggregate evidence on community-based programs tailored for adult newcomers without pre-existing medical conditions. Out of 413 articles screened, six met the inclusion criteria, showcasing diverse methodologies and outcomes but uniformly pointing towards the positive impact of nutritional education and community gardening on improving health outcomes. The interventions reviewed varied from educational programs focusing on nutritional knowledge to practical initiatives like community gardening, all aiming to facilitate healthy dietary practices among newcomers. Notably, the review highlights the importance of culturally sensitive approaches, as most effective programs are those that consider the unique cultural backgrounds and socio-economic conditions of the newcomer populations. These programs not only improved participants' dietary habits and nutritional knowledge but also fostered social integration and mental well-being, showcasing the multifactorial benefits of well-designed health promotion interventions. Despite the promising outcomes, the review identifies significant gaps in the literature, notably the lack of detailed program descriptions and outcomes, which hampers the ability to replicate and scale these interventions effectively. Furthermore, while educational content forms the core of most interventions, the pervasive issue of food insecurity among newcomers underscores the need for programs that also address access to nutritious food. In conclusion, this integrative review underscores the critical role of dietary interventions in improving the health outcomes of newcomers, highlighting the need for culturally tailored, comprehensive programs that go beyond education to address broader determinants of health, such as food security. Future research should focus on detailed program evaluation and the development of scalable, replicable models that can address the complex health promotion needs of newcomer populations, thereby contributing to the global effort in reducing the burden of NCDs.