scholarly journals Perceptions of eating practices and physical activity among Malaysian adolescents in secondary schools: a qualitative study with multi-stakeholders

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shooka Mohammadi ◽  
Tin Tin Su ◽  
Angeliki Papadaki ◽  
Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin ◽  
Maznah Dahlui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Rural Schools ◽  
School Based ◽  
Adolescent Participation ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Malaysian Adolescents

Abstract Objective: To conduct formative research using qualitative methods among stakeholders of secondary schools to explore their perceptions, barriers and facilitators related to healthy eating and physical activity (PA) among Malaysian adolescents. Design: A qualitative study involving eight focus groups and twelve in-depth interviews. Focus groups and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. Setting: Four secondary schools in Perak and Selangor states (two urban and two rural schools) in Malaysia. Participants: Focus groups were conducted with seventy-six adolescents aged 13–14 years, and in-depth interviews were conducted with four headmasters, four PA education teachers and four food canteen operators. Results: Stakeholders thought that adolescents’ misperceptions, limited availability of healthy options, unhealthy food preferences and affordability were important challenges preventing healthy eating at school. Low-quality physical education (PE) classes, limited adolescent participation and teachers’ commitment during lessons were perceived as barriers to adolescents being active at school. Affordability was the main challenge for adolescents from rural schools. Stakeholders perceived that a future school-based intervention should improve the availability and subsidies for healthy foods, provide health education/training for both adolescents and PE teachers, enhance active adolescent participation in PE and develop social support mechanisms to facilitate engagement with PA. Conclusions: These findings provide important insights into developing school-based lifestyle interventions to improve healthy eating and strengthening PA of Malaysian adolescents.

scholarly journals Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Healthy School Canteen Intervention among Malaysian Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3078
Author(s):  
Nurul Ain Azizan ◽  
Angeliki Papadaki ◽  
Tin Tin Su ◽  
Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin ◽  
Shooka Mohammadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Canteen ◽  
Malaysian Adolescents

This study evaluated implementing a school-based intervention to promote healthier dietary habits in the school environment among Malaysian adolescents using qualitative methods. This qualitative study was conducted in four secondary schools in Perak and Selangor (two urban and two rural schools) that received the intervention (either training or training and food subsidy). A total of eight focus groups (68 students aged 15 years old) and 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with canteen operators, school convenience shop operators, school teachers and school principals in each school. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data to identify suitable themes. We found several initiatives and changes by the schools’ stakeholders to change to a healthy school canteen programme. The stakeholders also noticed the students’ food preferences that influence healthy food intake in canteens and convenience shops. The food vendors and school administrators also found that subsidising healthy meals might encourage healthy eating. Among barriers to implementing healthy school initiatives were the student’s perception of healthy food and their eating habits, which also affect the food vendors’ profit if they want to implement a healthy canteen. The school-based intervention has the potential to promotes healthier eating among school adolescents. Continuous training and monitoring of canteen operators and convenience shops are needed, including building partnerships and educating the students on healthy eating to cultivate healthy eating habits.

scholarly journals How to Make Physical Activity Promotion Work in Thai Schools: Perspectives of Multiple Stakeholders

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Areekul Amornsriwatanakul ◽  
Narongsak Noosorn ◽  
Kittipong Poonchob ◽  
Rung Wongwat ◽  
Somkiat Sornprasit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
School Level ◽  
Information Support ◽  
School Based ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
The Government ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: This study aimed to determine current practice in physical activity (PA) promotion in Thai schools, explore barriers and facilitators to PA promotion within the school setting, and identify strategies to support schools’ future practice. Methods: A qualitative study design was applied comprising document analysis, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and onsite observations. The focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with 144 informants, purposively recruited through 24 schools in 4 regions across Thailand. Inductive content analysis was used. Results: Most schools were promoting PA in the absence of written policies, and without an accurate understanding of PA. Nonalignment of school performance indicators and policies, concerns about children’s academic performance, and lack of budget were raised as barriers to PA promotion, whereas strong partnerships with multiple local stakeholders facilitated school-based PA promotion. Mandated government PA policies and more information support were suggested as strategies to enhance schools’ future practices. Conclusions: For PA promotion to be successful in the school setting, significant challenges will need to be addressed. Results from this study help the government and concerned stakeholders to better understand the situation at the school level, and further strive for achieving the target PA levels specified in the National PA Plan.

scholarly journals Difficulties and motivations for physical exercise in women older than 65 years. A qualitative study

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolanda López-Benavente ◽  
José Arnau-Sánchez ◽  
Tania Ros-Sánchez ◽  
Mª Beatriz Lidón-Cerezuela ◽  
Araceli Serrano-Noguera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Family Environment ◽  
Phenomenological Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Depth Interviews

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify difficulties and motivations for the practice of physical exercise in women older than 65 years. Method: qualitative study based on the phenomenological theory, with focus groups and in-depth interviews. The nursing staff selected 15 women by intentional sampling using the following criteria: age, time dedicated to physical exercise, independence, and absence of cognitive impairment and contraindication for this activity. Two focus groups were formed (one of them did physical exercise for less than 150 minutes per week and the other at least 150 minutes per week) in addition to conducting five in-depth interviews. Qualitative analysis of the data was performed through transcription, coding, categorization, and verification of results. Results: the difficulties to start and develop physical exercise were circumscribed to the perception of poor health and lack of free time; both circumstances result from care obligation, being represented as a gender imposition. However, the motivations are related to perception of strength, need for socialization, and perception of autonomy and freedom. Conclusions: the ideological representation of gender determines the women’s decision to exercise. Knowing the meaning and significance that women give to health and their role in the socio-family environment allows nurses to develop relationships and interventions to encourage the practice of physical exercise.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Barriers to Physical Activity in Childhood and Adulthood Among Latinas

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosenda Murillo ◽  
Mariana Vazquez ◽  
Isabel Leal ◽  
Daphne Hernandez ◽  
Qian Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Individual Interview ◽  
Latina Women ◽  
The Us ◽  
Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽  
Barriers To Physical Activity

Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify perceptions and barriers to physical activity in childhood and adulthood among Latina adults. Methods: We conducted 3 focus groups, 2 dyadic interviews, and an individual interview using semi-structured interview guides with 23 Latina women aged 21-35. A thematic analysis approach employing inductive and deductive coding was utilized to code, categorize, and summarize data into themes. Results: The themes that emerged focused on: (1) physical activity is enjoyable; (2) family influenced physical activity; (3) different lifestyle in the US influenced physical activity; (4) physical activity is important for health; and (5) responsibilities (eg, work, caregiving) as barriers to physical activity in adulthood. Conclusions: Perceptions and barriers to physical activity experienced in both childhood and adulthood should be considered in the promotion of physical activity among Latinas.

scholarly journals High School Students Voice Regarding School-based Physical Activity: Perceived Barriers and Facilitating Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Dubuc ◽  
Seira Fortin-Suzuki ◽  
Sylvie Beaudoin ◽  
Felix Berrigan ◽  
Sylvain Turcotte
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
School Students ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
School Based ◽  
Facilitating Factors

Objective: To contribute to the development of tailored school-based physical activity interventions, in this study, we aimed to identify the perceived facilitating factors and barriers of high school students toward their physical activity in the school environment. Methods: A total of 139 students from 4 different high schools completed an online questionnaire comprising open-ended questions on their perceived facilitating factors and barriers toward their physical activity at school. Thereafter, 100 of these students participated in one of the 16 focus groups designed to deepen students’ responses regarding their perceived facilitating factors and barriers. Qualitative content analysis was performed to classify data according to the Social-Ecological Model. Results: Through questionnaires, students mostly identified intrapersonal elements as facilitating factors and barriers to their practice of physical activity, as opposed to institutional factors during the focus groups. Girls strongly valued the characteristics of the interventions and of the involved school stakeholders. Conclusions: Our results allow us to qualify the current understanding of high school students’ perceived facilitating factors and barriers toward school-based physical activity and strengthen the relevance of surveying students prior to the development and implementation of physical activity interventions.

Healthy eating and physical activity among low-income Hispanic adolescents and a school-based intervention

2018 ◽  
Vol 86 ◽  
pp. 151-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyatt Bishop ◽  
Claudia Chavarin ◽  
Hildy A. Gonzales ◽  
Jennifer Iparraguirre ◽  
Jovy Mann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Hispanic Adolescents ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
School Based

Gamification of nutrition: A preliminary study on the impact of gamification on nutrition knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of adolescents in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obidimma Ezezika ◽  
Jessica Oh ◽  
Ngozi Edeagu ◽  
Warami Boyo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Dietary Behaviour ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Impact

Background: In Nigeria and many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the availability of foods that are high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat is steadily increasing. This has led to an increase in the consumption of such foods among Nigerians, particularly among adolescents. Aim: This pilot study was undertaken to understand whether, and how, gamification of nutrition can have an impact on addressing the problem of unhealthy eating among Nigerian adolescents. Methods: Gamification of nutrition through board games, clubs and vouchers was introduced in three secondary schools in Abuja, Nigeria over a span of three to four months. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with grade 11 and 12 students in the three secondary schools. Participants were asked about their perceptions of the intervention and how it influenced their eating behaviour, attitudes and knowledge about nutrition. Results: A total of 31 students participated in four focus groups. Participants reported that the intervention shifted their perceptions and preferences, leading them to alter their behaviour by incorporating more nutritious foods (such as fruits and vegetables) into their diet and engaging in more physical activity. Five themes emerged from the analyses: improved eating behaviour; increased physical activity; improved overall well-being; increased nutrition knowledge; and influencing others. Conclusions: The results from the focus groups suggest that gamification of nutrition can lead to improvements in dietary behaviour among adolescents over the short-term. More studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of nutrition interventions that use gamification techniques.

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