Factors influencing food choices of adolescents: Findings from focus-group discussions with adolescents

Objective To assess adolescents' perceptions about factors influencing their food choices and eating behaviors. Design Data were collected in focus-group discussions. Subjects/setting The study population included 141 adolescents in 7th and 10th grade from 2 urban schools in St Paul, Minn, who participated in 21 focus groups. Analysis Data were analyzed using qualitative research methodology, specifically, the constant comparative method. Results Factors perceived as influencing food choices included hunger and food cravings, appeal of food, time considerations of adolescents and parents, convenience of food, food availability, parental influence on eating behaviors (including the culture or religion of the family), benefits of foods (including health), situation-specific factors, mood, body image, habit, cost, media, and vegetarian beliefs. Major barriers to eating more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products Applications/conclusions The findings suggest that if programs to improve adolescent nutrition are to be effective, they need to address a broad range of factors, in particular environmental factors leg, the increased availability and promotion of appealing, convenient foods within homes, schools, and restaurants).