Stakeholders perspectives of barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies in Iran: A Delphi method study

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is one of the most important health challenges of the present century. Many factors affect the prevention policies related to this health problem and make their implementation difficult. This study examined perceived barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies by stakeholders. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive research design based on Delphi method was conducted. In addition, semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with childhood obesity prevention policy stakeholders (n=39) and initial identification of barriers and facilitators in this area. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and finally analyzed, followed by using thematic analysis. Subsequently, two-round Delphi panel was done by sending e-mails to stakeholders (21 stakeholders participated in the first round and 15 stakeholders in the second round) for the final selection of barriers and facilitators of obesity prevention policies among children and adolescents in Iran. RESULTS: The identified barriers and facilitators were divided into three levels: individual, executive, and structural. Barriers and facilitators of the structural level showed a high score and priority regarding obesity prevention policies among children and adolescents. CONCLUSION: The existence of significant barriers at all three levels and especially at the structural level were among the concerns of stakeholders. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12282-7.