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Developing programs for African families, by African families: engaging African migrant families in Melbourne in health promotion interventions.

Halliday JA, Green J, Mellor D, Mutowo MP, de Courten M, Renzaho AM

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  • Journal Family & community health

  • Published 19 Feb 2014

  • Volume 37

  • ISSUE 1

  • Pagination 60-73

  • DOI 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000011

Abstract

Obesity is an emerging problem for African migrants in Australia, but few prevention programs incorporate their cultural beliefs and values. This study reports on the application of community capacity-building and empowerment principles in 4 workshops with Sudanese families in Australia. Workshop participants prioritized health behaviors, skill and knowledge gaps, and environments for change to identify culturally centered approaches to health promotion. The workshops highlighted a need for culturally and age-appropriate interventions that build whole-of-family skills and knowledge around the positive effects of physical activity and nutrition to improve health within communities while reducing intergenerational and gender role family conflicts.