Contextualizing motivations and perceived barriers of healthy nutrition and lifestyle behaviours among Malaysian adults with metabolic syndrome
Abstract Background Nutrition and lifestyle behaviour of individuals have been associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In order to better control the prevalence of MetS nationwide, an effective health promotion program must provide age-appropriate care information that addresses critical factors such as physiological function, social psychology, and emotional and health literacy in order to empower these patients to self-manage their condition and to enhance their self-care-related motivation and confidence. This study qualitatively analysed FGD involving Malaysian adults with MetS to explore their understanding of MetS and their perceived motivation and barriers of healthy nutrition and lifestyle behaviour. Methods A qualitative study with four focus groups (21 purposively sampled respondents) was conducted with adults diagnosed with MetS whom attending MONASH Medical Precinct in 2018. An interview protocol consolidating both responsive interviewing model and health belief model were prepared. The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed by emergent themes analysis. Data saturation was achieved in the fourth focus group. Results Seven main themes; three motivations and three perceived barriers and one subtheme on healthy nutrition and lifestyle behaviour were identified in the analysis of FGD. Motivations for healthy nutrition and lifestyles behaviour were (i) weight gain and physical appearances; (ii)personal experience of adverse complications and (iii) good family and social support. The identified perceived barriers were (i) healthcare as a business model; (ii) healthy change is difficult and expensive and (iii) cultural influence on food intake. Inadequate knowledge on MetS as most respondents were unaware of MetS as a clustering of risk factors but were able to identify the components individually was also a strong theme identified in this study. Conclusion Nutrition and lifestyle behaviours of adults with MetS were highly affected by the several potent motivations and perceived barriers among individuals. Information delivery and lifestyle promotion should address these aspects to increase program adoption and adherence, ensuring success of a community-based lifestyle intervention.