QUALITATIVE STUDY ON FOOD PERCEPTIONS, DIETARY PRACTICES AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN THE ADOLESCENT POPULATION

Abstract

BACKGROUND // Child and adolescent obesity is a biggest public health challenge. Adolescence is a critical stage for growth and development. The objective of the research was to explore and understand the perceptions of the adolescent population about eating and healthy lifestyle habits, and the identification of barriers and facilitators.

METHODS // A multicenter qualitative research was made, in schoolchildren from twelve to fourteen years old, from four Secondary Schools, distributed in four municipalities. During the first quarter of the 2021-2022 school year, ten Discussion Groups were conducted, with 7-11 participants per group, and two ninety-minute work sessions per group. The proceedings were followed by two deliberative sessions. The Atlas.ti version 8 software was used for data content analysis, following the methodological recommendations of Mayring and Cáceres, and the open coding technique was used.

RESULTS // A relationship was observed between the foods most consumed in the family home and the ones that teenagers liked most. Also the extracurricular sports activity was highlighted as the main source of physical activity as well as the connection between mental health and healthy practices, and the emphasis about the variety of foods, the importance given to sustainability and the relationship of an unhealthy diet with excess intake of sugar, sweets, soft drinks, fast food and fats. The family was revealed as one of the most influential factors, followed by professionals, the media and high schools. Among the perceived barriers were the socioeconomic level, lack of time, food supply in canteens and social pressure.

CONCLUSIONS // The main barriers and motivations linked to the food environment, socioeconomic level, body image and emotional well-being are identified. Adolescents express interest in participating in public policies.