A qualitative study investigating food choices and perceived psychosocial influences on eating behaviours in secondary school students
| Autor: | Rachel Povey, Sian Calvert, Robert C. Dempsey |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
0303 health sciences
030309 nutrition & dietetics media_common.quotation_subject digestive oral and skin physiology Context (language use) medicine.disease Focus group Childhood obesity Developmental psychology 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Promotion (rank) Food choice medicine Business Management and Accounting (miscellaneous) 030212 general & internal medicine Psychology Psychosocial Food Science Qualitative research media_common Social influence |
| Zdroj: | British Food Journal. 122:1027-1039 |
| ISSN: | 0007-070X |
| Popis: | PurposeChildhood obesity is a major global health concern. Understanding children's and adolescent’s eating behaviours and promoting healthier behaviours is key for reducing the negative health outcomes associated with obesity. The current study explored the perceptions of healthy eating behaviours and the influences on eating behaviours amongst 11-to-13-year-old secondary school students.Design/methodology/approachNine semi-structured same-sex focus group discussions were conducted in schools located in deprived areas of England, with the discussions subjected to a thematic framework analysis.FindingsThree main constructs were identified in the analysis as follows: (1) eating patterns and lifestyle, (2) social influences and (3) environmental influences. Participants understood what healthy eating behaviours are and the benefits of eating healthy; yet, they reported irregular mealtimes and consuming unhealthy snacks. Students reported that their parents and fellow student peers were strong influences on their own eating behaviours, with girls subjected to being teased by male students for attempting to eat healthily. Finally, students perceived that unhealthy foods were cheaper, tasted better and were readily available in their social environments compared to healthier options, making healthier behaviours less likely to occur.Originality/valueFindings indicate that students had a good understanding of healthy eating behaviours but did not always practise them and are seemingly influenced by their social and environmental context. The promotion of healthier eating in this age group needs to challenge the misperceptions associated with the accessibility and social acceptability of unhealthy food items. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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