Findings on dietary characteristics among Haitian immigrants and the threat of food insecurity: A scoping review.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aimed to map and describe the available evidence on dietary characteristics and diet-related health conditions among Haitian immigrants across the globe. Study design: Scoping review. Methods: This review was based on the international guide Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The searches were conducted in several electronic databases in July 2023. Reports focusing on diet, nutrition, and diet-related health conditions among international Haitian immigrants published in English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish with no year limit were included. The data extracted was tabulated and presented in a narrative summary. Results: Database search retrieved 502 records, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. The categories that emerged from the analysis were food consumption patterns and trends, food and nutrition insecurity, cultural identity, and diet-related health conditions. Findings suggest available evidence underrepresents Latin America and the Caribbean context; research gaps related to adolescents and the elderly and also to noncommunicable diseases except obesity; changes in food consumption after immigration towards less healthy eating; the Haitian immigrant's preference for healthy and traditional eating patterns; many experiences of food insecurity related to poverty, unemployment, and lack of social support, especially in host countries in Latin America and the Caribbean; and a high prevalence of obesity, especially among women. Conclusions: Further research is required in countries in Latin America, mainly. Diet-related chronic diseases, adolescents, and the elderly should be targeted for further research. We recommend longitudinal and qualitative research; field action reports describing local and global strategies to manage Haitian migration-related food and nutrition issues; culturally appropriate dietary interventions; and policies to protect and support the most vulnerable Haitian immigrants to have their fundamental right to adequate food guaranteed, reducing health inequalities.