Rapid review of factors influencing dietary behaviors in Fiji

Benjamin Boxer; Ursula Trübswasser; Viola Lesi; Asaeli Naika; Pradiumna Dahal; Sonya Sagan; Kshitij Joshi; Ana Irache; Pragya Singh; Devina Nand; Ateca Kama; Alvina Deo; Sophie Goudet

doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1164855

Rapid review of factors influencing dietary behaviors in Fiji

Front Nutr. 2023 Aug 9:10:1164855. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1164855. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Nutrition Research, Dikoda, London, United Kingdom.
² UNICEF Pacific, Pacific Islands, Suva, Fiji.
³ School of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji.
⁴ Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji.
⁵ National Food and Nutrition Centre, Suva, Fiji.

Abstract

Introduction: In Fiji, multiple burdens of malnutrition including undernutrition, overweight/obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies coexist at the individual, household, and population levels. The diets of children, adolescents, and adults are generally unhealthy. The objective of this review was to understand how the dietary behaviors of children, adolescents, and women in Fiji are influenced by individual, social, and food environment factors.

Methods: This rapid review was conducted to synthesize existing evidence, identify research gaps in the evidence base, and make recommendations for future research. The Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods and the updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews were used. The search strategy for this rapid review was based on the Population Context Outcome [P(E)CO] framework, including search terms for population (children, adolescents, and adults), context (Fiji), and outcome (dietary behaviors). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar.

Results: The 22 studies included in this review identified different factors influencing dietary behaviors in Fiji. Individual preferences for processed and imported foods, especially of younger generations, and social dynamics, especially gender norms and social pressure, to serve meat and overeat appeared to be prominent in driving dietary habits. The ongoing nutrition transition has led to increasing availability and affordability of ultra-processed and fast foods, especially in urban areas. Concerns about food safety and contamination and climate change and its effect on local food production also appear to influence dietary choices.

Discussion: This review identified different dynamics influencing dietary behaviors, but also research gaps especially with regard to the food environment, calling for an integrated approach to address these factors more systemically.

Keywords: food environment; malnutrition; obesity; social influences; unhealthy foods.

Publication types

Review