Post-migration dietary and lifestyle transitions and chronic disease risk among African migrants in Australia: a case of Nigerian migrants

Background: Migration from low- and middle-income to high-income settings is often accompanied by dietary and lifestyle changes that may increase long-term risk of non-communicable diseases. African migrants represent a growing but under-studied population in Australia, with limited evidence on post-migration nutrition transitions and associated chronic disease risk. This study examined changes in diet and lifestyle among Nigerian-born adults before and after migration to Australia and explored any association with chronic diseases. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted among adults who migrated from Nigeria to New South Wales, Australia, between 1992 and 2019. Data were collected via a culturally adapted, self-administered online questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, dietary intake, lifestyle behaviours, and self-reported chronic conditions in the 12 months immediately before and after migration. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions) and inferential analyses (Chi-square tests, McNemar test, and the Bowker test) were used to compare pre- and post-migration behaviours and examine associations with chronic disease outcomes. Results: Ninety-three participants completed the survey (mean age 37.0 ± 7.2 years; 50.5% male). Post-migration, regular breakfast consumption declined (−24.3%), while irregular eating (low and moderate) patterns increased (+7.6% and +16.7%). Regular vegetable intake improved (+5.4%), whereas fruit intake remained low (13.0%). Regular consumption of Nigerian local foods decreased markedly (−53.7%), while regular intake of meat (+18.5%), dairy foods, fats (+14.3%), and non-alcoholic beverages increased (+22.8%). Salt use shifted away from the highest-risk category (−22.2%), and smoking and alcohol consumption remained low and stable. Self-reported chronic conditions were uncommon; hypertension (6.5%) and obesity (5.4%) were the most frequently reported. Conclusions: Nigerian migrants in Australia experience substantial post-migration dietary and lifestyle transitions that may elevate long-term chronic disease risk despite a currently low reported disease burden. Early, culturally responsive nutrition and lifestyle interventions are needed to support healthy adaptation and prevent the progression of cardiometabolic conditions in this growing migrant population.