Dietary Vitamin D Knowledge of Sub-Saharan African Men Who Migrate to Australia

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is as a global health problem with high prevalence in specific ethnic groups. Changes in dietary practices have occurred in African migrants upon migration to western countries. Men show little to no awareness of their health, with many unable to adequately meet their Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin D. This study aims to explore the knowledge around vitamin D, changes in dietary intake practices of vitamin D and whether it is seen important among sub-Saharan African men who have migrated to Australia. Methods: A qualitative research design was used to better understand the knowledge and behaviors of 24 sub-Saharan African men who reside in Melbourne, Australia. A mixed group of countries of origin were included with varying religiosities and practices. Through in-depth interviewing, three themes were identified using thematic analysis of interviews. Demographic data were also collected. Results:Three broad themes evolved from the study. These themes include the impact of migration on food culture which may have negatively affected vitamin D intake, the impact of masculinity and cultural norms which may have led to vitamin D health understandings and, the impact of educational awareness on overall vitamin D and health status in the sub-Saharan African male population. Conclusion: This study revealed that majority of sub-Saharan African men were unaware of the sources of dietary vitamin D. Migration to western countries with western diets, masculine ideologies and a lack of educational awareness has led many of these sub-Saharan African migrant men to become disconnected from their dietary vitamin D requirements and ultimately their vitamin D health status.