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Qualitative Study to Determine Stressors Influencing Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors of Overweight and Obese Adolescents in Iran Publisher



Bagherniya M1 ; Darani FM2 ; Sharma M3 ; Allipourbirgani R4 ; Taghipour A5 ; Safarian M1, 6
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Paradise Daneshgah, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Isfahan university of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Behavioral and Environmental Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, United States
  4. 4. Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
  6. 6. Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Source: International Journal of Preventive Medicine Published:2019


Abstract

Introduction: Childhood obesity has become a global endemic public health problem. Emotional distress has been proposed to be a strong mediator of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among youth. The aim of this study was to explore the sources and role of stress on developing unhealthy lifestyle practices pertaining to diet and physical activity among overweight and obese adolescents. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2016-2017 in two large cities of Iran, Mashhad and Isfahan. Fifty-two overweight and obese adolescents were selected through purposeful sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to obtain perceptions and experiences regarding underlying factors of obesity and the sources and role of stress in inducing unhealthy lifestyle. Ten parents were also interviewed. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis with MAXQDA software. Study rigor was verified using criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba. Results: After analyzing the data, two main categories which triggered emotional overeating and physical inactivity among adolescents were: 'school originated stress' and 'family originated stress.' Three subcategories of school originated stress were 'Too much homework,' 'Frequent exams' and 'Priority for studying at both school and home' and family originated stress subcategories were 'Parental destructive conflicts,' 'Divorce' and 'Socio-familial issues.' Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the sources and role of stress in emerging unhealthy lifestyle practices including emotional overeating and physical inactivity among adolescents which could lead to weight gain. Therefore, to improve lifestyle behaviors of students and prevent childhood obesity, addressing school, and family stressors is a crucial subject. © 2019 International Journal of Preventive Medicine.
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