Personal barriers to life style modification in overweight/obese adolescents: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Existing data show a rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian adolescents. Considering the lack of related studies from Iran, the current study investigates personal barriers to life style Modification among overweight/obese adolescents. This is a qualitative study, conducted according to the grounded theory approach. Participants were 35 school children [19 girls and 16 boys], aged 15-17 years, who were either overweight or obese. To collect data, 5 semi-structured focus group discussions and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted. To obtain views across a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, two demographically diverse areas in Tehran were selected, and in each area, participants were recruited from schools. All interviews and focus group discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collection and analysis were done simultaneously according to the Strauss and Corbin analysis method. Based on data analysis, positive perception of conditions, priority of studying, lack of willingness, negative experiences, low self-esteem, and perceived lack of control were the major personal barriers to adolescents' healthy lifestyles. Study results demonstrated the main personal barriers for a healthy life style as perceived by adolescents, barriers that any effective interventions require to address for tackling overweight and obesity in adolescents