Food habits of Arab students living in the United States

Changes in dietary patterns among different immigrant groups have been reported. However, limited research data on dietary habits of Arabs living in the United States are available. The objective of this study was to investigate dietary patterns of Arab students living in the U.S. A questionnaire was designed to collect information about background, degree of acculturation, changes in food habits, frequency of food consumption, and food preferences. Potential subjects were Arab students enrolled at five U.S. universities. Questionnaires were mailed to 70 students. Analysis of variance was used with continuous variables; chi-square tests were used to analyze categorical variables. Associations among continuous variables were examined using correlation analysis. Forty-five questionnaires were returned. Because of the availability, cost, and convenience, the consumption frequency of Arab foods had decreased while the consumption frequency of some American foods had increased. The consumption frequency and liking of American foods were related to age, age entered U.S., length of residence in U.S., and degree of acculturation.