Are the Australian Dietary Guidelines Fit for Purpose for Culturally Diverse Populations? A Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study examines if Australia's dietary guidelines are suitable for culturally diverse populations and finds that they lack inclusivity and require co-design with these communities.

Contribution

The study introduces a health equity framework to evaluate dietary guidelines for cultural inclusivity and proposes co-design as a novel approach.

Findings

Current guidelines show bias due to a lack of consultation with culturally diverse communities.

Adaptation of guidelines is possible but lacks responsibility and coordination.

Co-design with diverse communities is essential for equitable health outcomes.

Abstract

Migration is globally recognised as a determinant of health. The transition for culturally diverse communities towards adopting diets that align with dietary recommendations of their host country is not without complexities. With over one‐quarter of Australia's population being born overseas, this research explores whether the current Australian food‐based dietary guidelines and its communications are relevant and fit for purpose for culturally diverse communities in Australia.

An exploratory qualitative descriptive study, informed by the Health Equity Framework, was conducted using semi‐structured individual interviews with ‘experts’ in the field of culturally diverse communities, health equity and/or dietary guideline development and analysed using abductive thematic analysis.

Eight interviews were conducted, and three themes were constructed: (1) Bias as a lack of consultation and meaningful data is used in guideline development; (2) Adaptation is possible, but nobody is taking responsibility; and (3) The way forward is through co‐design.

There are currently numerous structural inequities that prevent the dietary guidelines and their communication being fit for purpose for culturally and linguistically diverse Australians. To meet the needs of a culturally diverse population, a health equity approach to food‐based dietary guideline development and adaptation needs to be actioned.

Whilst there is an understanding that dietary guidelines take a whole‐of‐population approach, review of the guidelines provides an opportunity for federal and state governments to share responsibility to facilitate the development of additional resources for research on diverse dietary patterns, and adaptations of food‐based dietary guideline communications. Genuine collaboration with culturally diverse communities is essential to promote an equitable approach to health that benefits all Australians.