Promoting healthy lifestyles among nurse trainees: Perceptions on enablers and barriers to dietary and physical activity behaviours

INTRODUCTION: Promoting healthy lifestyles is important to protect against obesity and non-communicable diseases. However, there is a lack of understanding of the enablers and barriers to healthy lifestyles (dietary and physical activity) among pre-service nursing trainees in Ghana. This study therefore aims to examine the perceived practice, enablers and barriers in adopting healthy dietary and physical activity behaviours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional qualitative, one-on-one in-depth interviews with a semi-structured guide were conducted with 16 nursing trainees (public health nursing) (aged: 18–25 years) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences. Participants were selected based on body mass index (underweight, normal, over-weight, and obesity) classification of the world health organization. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was manually carried out. RESULTS: Enablers and barriers were grouped into levels of individual (intrapersonal), social environment, physical environment, and university factors based on ecological model initially formulated by Bronfenbrenner’s. Enablers to healthy dietary behaviour were self-discipline, dietary knowledge, social support, and access/availability. Enablers related to physical activity mentioned were body image, social support, and the existence of student societies. Barriers to healthy dietary behaviour included upbringing, preference, accessibility, safety/appearance, and studies/lectures. Barriers mentioned in relation to physical activity include a busy lifestyle, inadequate feeding, studies/academic activity, student societies, upbringing, and social support. CONCLUSION: A program to support healthy lifestyles for nursing trainees is needed. Specifically, in terms of developing and implementing interventions to overcome barriers and promote facilitators to adopt healthy dietary and physical activity behaviours whilst in training.