Determinants of food choice in Chinese populations have not been systematically synthesised using a cultural lens. This study reviewed qualitative studies exploring food choice determinants of both Chinese mainlanders and Chinese immigrants living in Western countries. Ovid Medline, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI) were searched from database inception to 1 April 2021. Studies were included if they involved qualitative research methods, were written in English or Chinese, investigated the factors influencing food choices, and targeted Chinese mainlanders or Chinese immigrants living in Western countries. Twenty-five studies (24 in English, 1 in Chinese) were included, involving 2048 participants. Four themes were identified; (1) the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), (2) perceptions of a healthy diet in Chinese culture (e.g., regular eating, eating in moderation, and emphasis on food freshness), (3) the desire to maintain harmony in families/communities, and (4) physical/social environmental factors all significantly influenced Chinese people’s food choices. It is important to acknowledge these factors when developing culturally appropriate nutrition programs for promoting health in Chinese mainlanders and Chinese immigrants.

Young adults (YA) are in a critical stage of life for the encouragement of healthy behaviours such as healthy eating and exercising. This research explored Australian YA values and perceptions related to health, healthy behaviours and health promotion efforts. This qualitative analysis involved n = 166, Australian 18–24 year-olds recruited through a market research field house. Participants (63% currently studying at tertiary level) engaged in a facilitated in-depth online conversation around health and healthy eating over four weeks. Leximancer^TM and manual inductive thematic coding were utilised for analysis via the lens of emerging adulthood and health communication theories. Health was seen as multi-faceted, with particular importance placed on mental health and exercise. Some participants focussed on physical appearance, often fuelled by comparison to others. Many believed that at their age and health status, adopting health-enhancing behaviours without short-term tangible benefits was not a priority. Participants did not prioritise health-enhancing behaviours due to barriers such as a perceived lack of money, knowledge and time often due to studying or working and perceived effort. Strategies they proposed to encourage healthy eating included: incentivising healthy food; quick and affordable healthy recipes; and communicating the short-term tangible benefits of healthy behaviours. There is a need for focussed health messaging that address the needs and desires of YA and directly address the barriers they face.

Purpose: To explore the range of teaching approaches and cultural-tailoring elements used in diabetes educations directed at Chinese patients and to determine the strategies that appeared to best address Chinese patients’ needs. Design: A case study approach in three countries was employed, using multiple ethnographic data collection methods including participant observations and qualitative interviews. Findings: Data were collected from 39 participant observations and 22 interviews across seven cases. Collective didactic education was most common. Individual clarification at the end of an education session was used to allow patients to derive their own management plan. Clinicians mainly provided information and used knowledge reinforcement to facilitate behavioral change. Participatory diabetes education models borrowed from the West did not translate well culturally and did not appear to meet Chinese patients’ needs. Conclusion and Practical Implications: Diabetes education for the Chinese may be enhanced by building on traditional Confucian education strategies.

Chinese immigrants living in Western countries are at increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Dietary acculturation has been implicated as a potential contributor, but little is known about why diets change post-migration. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore how and why diets change post-migration for Chinese immigrants living in Australia. Eleven participants undertook semi-structured interviews exploring and comparing their diets when they lived in China to their post-migration diets. Thematic analysis revealed that participants exhibited changed social structures of meal preparation, and made unacknowledged dietary changes, such as recipe modification, to maintain their traditional Chinese diet post-migration. Implications of both deliberate and unrecognized dietary changes post-migration include connections to increased risk for metabolic disease post-migration.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a type 2 diabetes education programme for Chinese Australians, based on the experience of participants and by exploring the unique needs of Chinese patients, their health beliefs and their cultural behaviours. Design and setting: A qualitative ethnographic study was undertaken in a community health service setting in Southeast Melbourne, Australia. Method: Eight semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of past participants of a diabetes education programme for Chinese Australians. Data were thematically analysed, using both an ethnographic and a phenomenological lens. Results: Although participants appreciated the delivery of diabetes education in their own language, many expressed frustration and confusion when applying education messages to disease management. They described the barriers imposed by their collectivistic orientation, whereby Chinese people accept health recommendations unquestioningly, often living in misery with an excessively rigid management plan, and highlighted their lack of understanding of self-management. Patients also felt helpless in trying to mix Western and Eastern medical practices without adequate professional support. Conclusions: This qualitative study illustrates the complex and multifaceted challenges associated with diabetes management among Chinese Australians, and identifies many unique needs encountered by Chinese patients that were not addressed by the diabetes programme studied. There is an urgent need to identify optimal diabetes education models that will meet the needs of Chinese Australians.