Previous research suggests that acculturation (i.e., exposure and assimilation to local culture) is associated with changes in dietary patterns among immigrants. This study investigates this association in a refugee population using time in refugee settlement as a proxy for acculturation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a systematic sample to (a) identify dietary patterns in Liberian refugees and Ghanaians living in or near a refugee settlement, (b) compare adherence to these dietary patterns between groups, and (c) investigate the association between acculturation and dietary patterns in Liberian refugees. Participants were Liberian and Ghanaian women with young children living in the Buduburam refugee settlement or Awutu in Ghana (n = 480; 50% Liberian; mean age 28, SD 6.3, range 16-48 years). Time in settlement was assessed by self-report; food consumption was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns; a generalized linear model was used to test the association of interest. Three distinct dietary patterns emerged: Healthy, Sweets, and Fats. Ghanaians were more adherent to the Healthy pattern than Liberians (p < 0.05). Liberians were more adherent to the Sweets and Fats patterns than Ghanaians (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in dietary pattern adherence among the Liberians based on time in settlement. Ghanaians living in Awutu were more adherent to the Healthy pattern than Ghanaians who lived in settlement (p < 0.05). Differences in dietary patterns were observed between Liberian refugees and Ghanaians. These differences were not associated with acculturation and may be related to the food environment in the settlement.

El acceso a la información y los abordajes interculturales en el ámbito de la salud son esenciales para la eliminación de inequidades en el acceso a los servicios de salud y la atención sanitaria. Los modelos interculturales, como las medicinas tradicionales, complementarias e integrativas (MTCI) son una parte importante del cuidado de la salud en la mayoría de los países y frecuentemente contribuyen a ampliar el acceso a la atención primaria de salud. A pesar del reconocimiento legal y de la existencia de políticas para la integración de las MTCI en los sistemas de salud, aún se subestima su contribución a la salud, el bienestar y la atención de la salud centrada en las personas para alcanzar la salud universal. En este artículo se presentan los avances (2017-2020) alcanzados por la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud especializada en las MTCI (BVS MTCI Américas), iniciativa creada como herramienta para disminuir las brechas en la producción y el acceso a la información validada sobre las MTCI. Mediante el trabajo colaborativo en red, la BVS MTCI Américas contribuye a la democratización de la salud, el acceso a datos científicos verificados disponibles, la visibilización de conocimientos no convencionales, el fortalecimiento de capacidades de investigación y el intercambio de experiencias para la toma informada de decisiones.

No abstract

Access to information and intercultural approaches in the field of health are essential for the elimination of inequities in health access and care. Intercultural models such as traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) are an important part of health care in most countries and often contribute to expanding access to primary health care. Despite legal recognition and policies to integrate TCIM into health systems, their contribution to health, well-being, and people-centered care to achieve universal health is still underestimated. This article presents the progress (2017-2020) achieved by the Virtual Health Library specialized in the TCIM (VHL TCIM Americas), an initiative created as a tool to reduce the gaps in the production and access to validated information on TCIM. Through collaborative network work, VHL TCIM Americas contributes to the democratization of health, access to verified scientific data, visibility of non-conventional knowledge, strengthening of research capacities, and exchange of experiences for informed decision-making.