Perception of the city outskirts resident’s women on the barriers to healthy eating: a qualitative study

AbstractBackground: A crucial prerequisite for managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors is communityexperiences and perceptions about the challenges of unhealthy eating. On the other hand, there is no literature on nutritionalliteracy in the city›s outskirts, which are the vulnerable parts of society. Thus, this study aimed to examine the barriers to healthynutrition for resident women in low-income areas of Mashhad.Methods: This qualitative study used ۲۸ women as a representative sample of the residents of marginalized areas of Mashhad inIran. Data collection was conducted using interviews between ۲۰۲۱ and ۲۰۲۲. Data analysis was done using a content analysisapproach (open and selective coding).Results: The most critical obstacles related to healthy eating were listed as follows: (a) low income, high expenses or expensive,(b) incorrect habits or lack of awareness, (c) food preferences, (d) lack of feeling of necessity and insufficient motivation, (e) lackof convenient access in the area, and (f) illness or physical condition. However, participants stated economic, social, and culturalissues as the main barriers to choosing healthy food among residents of low-income areas.Conclusion: This study identified the main barriers to a healthy diet in marginal areas. Overcoming these obstacles can be astrategy for local and national planning to deal with NCDs.

Keywords:

Barriers , Healthy nutrition , Nutritional literacy , Qualitative study