Exploring Maternal and Children Perspectives Towards Healthy Eating and Active Living in Lebanon: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES: To explore the perspectives and experiences of children and their mothers towards healthy eating habits and regular physical activity in Lebanon and to identify potential strategies that can be recommended for future interventions to promote healthy lifestyles among children. METHODS: Qualitative research methodology and the social cognitive theory were used. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with children (aged 10–11 years) and their mothers, respectively, from two private and one public schools in Beirut, Lebanon. Thematic inductive analytical approach was adopted. RESULTS: A total of six FGDs and 11 in-depth interviews with mothers were conducted from February till November 2020. Four main overarching themes emerged. Theme 1 pertained to the different views of children and mothers regarding the meaning of healthy eating and physical activity and their perceived impact on children's wellbeing. Theme 2 revealed a set of intrapersonal, social, and environmental determinants, which were reported differently between children and their mothers. Participants in our study who were interviewed after the COVID-19 pandemic talked about how their eating habits were adversely affected as a result of the sudden changes in daily schedules, boredom and anxiety. Theme 3 reflected the role of schools and sports facilities in setting a good example for children's healthy eating and active behaviors. Theme 4 revolved around participants’ suggestions to receive support for healthy eating and lifestyle habits at multiple levels, including intrapersonal, family/social, community, and policy-level strategies. Our findings highlight the importance of using theory-driven interventions, such as the social cognitive theory, to improve long-term health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the multiple influences that pertain to children's eating and activity habits and shed light on the need to use child- and parental-driven strategies in the planning and development of programs to promote children's health and wellbeing. FUNDING SOURCES: This study was partially funded by the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the American University of Beirut.