Designing Nutrition Education Programs for Somali Audiences: The Role of Cultural and Religious Practices

Authors

Sara Van Offelen, University of Minnesota ExtensionFollow
Shelley Sherman, University of Minnesota ExtensionFollow
Jill 2021-05-01, University of Minnesota ExtensionFollow
Felisha Rhodes, University of Minnesota ExtensionFollow

Volume

49

Issue

3

DOI

10.34068/joe.49.03.05

Abstract

A focus group of Somali immigrants was conducted as part of a larger study of underserved communities in Minnesota. The goal was to capture Somali women's personal experiences and views on nutrition. This understanding assists Health and Nutrition educators in assessing the quality and effectiveness of current programming efforts and making recommendations for future efforts. Study results indicate that Somali cultural and religious practices define family meal structure, food preparation, and food choices. One important finding was that participants were eager to learn about nutrition and asked specific questions about the nutritional value of foods they eat.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Offelen, S. V., Sherman, S., 2021-05-01, J., & Rhodes, F. (2011). Designing Nutrition Education Programs for Somali Audiences: The Role of Cultural and Religious Practices. The Journal of Extension, 49(3), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.49.03.05