- Autores: Daniela Alves, Isabel Craveiro, Nekane Basabe, Luzia Gonçalves
- Ano de Publicação: 2021
- Journal: BMJ Open 2021, 11(7), art e048818
- Link: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048818
ABSTRACT
‘Introduction:’
Studies which focus on the process of acculturation in the lifestyles, nutritional status and health of immigrants from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) in the Iberian Peninsula are still scarce. This study aims to explore the influence of the acculturation process and dietary acculturation on the lifestyle and nutritional and health status of CPLP immigrants in Portugal and Spain, focusing on two Iberian contexts: Lisbon Metropolitan Area and the Basque Country.
‘Methods and analysis:’
A mixed methods sequential explanatory design, combining cross-sectional studies and semistructured interviews. Official data will also be analysed. Primary data will be collected through a questionnaire and assessment of nutritional status and body composition. The estimated samples sizes are 1061 adults (≥18 years old) in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and 573 in the Basque Country. Time-location sampling will be used for the quantitative component and non-probabilistic sampling for the qualitative component. If safety conditions are not guaranteed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online studies will be conducted. The semistructured interviews will complement the questionnaire data and extend knowledge about the process of acculturation of CPLP immigrants and their relationship with eating habits and physical activity. Thematic analysis will be used for qualitative data. Triangulation of data derived from different methods will be carried out. An integrative approach will be used to address potential discrepancies in findings and limitations inherent to the study design. As inter-method discrepancies may occur, triangulation protocol will be used, elaborating a ‘convergence coding matrix’ to display findings emerging from each component of the study.
‘Ethics and dissemination:’
Ethical approval was obtained through the IHMT Ethics Council (Doc No 20/2020), Portugal, and it was submitted to the Ethics Committee of the UPV/EHU (Doc No under revision), Spain.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY
• This research will use mixed methods to obtain quality data to deepen the knowledge of the phenomenon of acculturation and its relationship with the lifestyles, nutritional and health status of Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) immigrants in the two Iberian contexts, providing indicators for an adequate response to their health needs.
• To better understand if the language of the host country can favour the process of acculturation and, consequently, the lifestyle and health of CPLP immigrants.
• In current COVID-19 pandemic context, assessment of body composition by a nutritionist can be compromised.
• Samples may not be representative of the entire migrant population from all CPLP countries in both contexts.
KEYWORDS
Mixed methods; acculturation; lifestyles; health; immigrants; Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries; Iberian; COVID-19; pandemic.