Publication Date

2026

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Hickey, Kari L.

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

School of Nursing

Abstract

More than 117,000 Afghans have been relocated to the United States following the U.S. military withdrawal in August 2021. Research indicates that Afghan refugees resettled in the U.S. are at increased risk of psychological distress, with Afghan women particularly susceptible compared with Afghan men, and diet-related chronic disease. However, research also shows that traditional food and eating customs foster cultural identity, social support, integration, and well-being. The purpose of this study was to collaboratively explore the food-related well-being and daily life contexts of resettled refugee participants through the photovoice method, a participatory research strategy in which participants photograph aspects of their daily lives and then gather to discuss the meanings behind those photographs.

Ten Afghan women with refugee backgrounds and dependent children, all Dari speakers, participated in this study. Nineteen participant-taken photographs were discussed during three group meetings. Participants also openly discussed the most pressing issues affecting their own and their families' well-being. Four themes resulted from the reflexive thematic analysis of transcripts from the discussion meetings. Two themes, the symbolic role of food and perceptions of the healthfulness of photographed foods, centered on food-related well-being. Participants’ portrayals of their food customs and practices were largely positive, highlighting the role of food in bringing their families and communities together. Most participants considered the food they prepared healthy, although some of their nutrition beliefs were scientifically inaccurate. Two themes, material intermediary determinants of health and psychosocial intermediary determinants of health, drew attention to the social determinants of health. The material intermediary determinants of health included housing and transportation. Among the psychosocial intermediary determinants of health, participants reported that perceived safety concerns and family separation caused the most distress. This study’s findings may help inform nutrition interventions and health promotion efforts for Afghan women with refugee backgrounds living in the United States.

Extent

180 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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