Rapid Review of Factors Influencing Dietary Behaviors in Fiji

Overview

Journal Front Nutr

Specialty Nutritional Sciences

Date 2023 Aug 25

PMID 37621737

Authors

Benjamin Boxer

Ursula Trubswasser

Viola Lesi

Asaeli Naika

Pradiumna Dahal

Sonya Sagan

Kshitij Joshi

Ana Irache

Pragya Singh

Devina Nand

Ateca Kama

Alvina Deo

Sophie Goudet

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: In Fiji, multiple burdens of malnutrition including undernutrition, overweight/obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies coexist at the individual, household, and population levels. The diets of children, adolescents, and adults are generally unhealthy. The objective of this review was to understand how the dietary behaviors of children, adolescents, and women in Fiji are influenced by individual, social, and food environment factors.

Methods: This rapid review was conducted to synthesize existing evidence, identify research gaps in the evidence base, and make recommendations for future research. The Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods and the updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews were used. The search strategy for this rapid review was based on the Population Context Outcome [P(E)CO] framework, including search terms for population (children, adolescents, and adults), context (Fiji), and outcome (dietary behaviors). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar.

Results: The 22 studies included in this review identified different factors influencing dietary behaviors in Fiji. Individual preferences for processed and imported foods, especially of younger generations, and social dynamics, especially gender norms and social pressure, to serve meat and overeat appeared to be prominent in driving dietary habits. The ongoing nutrition transition has led to increasing availability and affordability of ultra-processed and fast foods, especially in urban areas. Concerns about food safety and contamination and climate change and its effect on local food production also appear to influence dietary choices.

Discussion: This review identified different dynamics influencing dietary behaviors, but also research gaps especially with regard to the food environment, calling for an integrated approach to address these factors more systemically.

Citing Articles

Ultra-processed food consumption in the central division of Fiji.

Palu A, Santos J, Coyle D, Shahid M, Crowther J, Waqa G BMC Med. 2025; 23(1):109.

PMID: 39984924 PMC: 11846173. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-025-03947-w.

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