Parents’ and stakeholders’ perspectives on strategies to reduce fast food consumption among Iranian adolescents : a qualitative study

Abstract EN

Background: Many people are concerned with the problems and side effects caused by increased levels of fast food (FF) consumption, especially among adolescents.

Several studies have assessed the problems of FF consumption particularly weight gain and obesity.

However, few address the methods, strategies, and policies needed to reduce this issue.

Objectives: This study aims to explore parent and stakeholder views and perspectives on the means to reduce adolescent FF consumption.

Patients and Methods: The present paper is based on original research conducted from June to December 2012.

In this study, 19 participants were selected using purposive sampling.

Their experiences and perspectives were explored using in-depth semistructured interviews; a thematic content analysis with a conventional approach was conducted to analyze the data.

Using this approach, the transcripts were coded openly, and subcategories and categories were chosen based on similarities.

Subsequently, themes were defined at a more abstract level.

Results: Three main themes were identified as approaches and strategies suggested by parents and stakeholders to reduce FF consumption.

These included culture building, supporting healthy eating styles, and controlling and supervising healthy eating styles.

Conclusions: Based on the extracted themes, some interventions can be suggested to reduce FF consumptionamongyoung people.

A holistic approach that incorporates a change of culture, social support, and supervision is promising.

Further quantitative studies are also recommended