Adolescent perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours: a focus group study from the European SEEDS project

Background Adolescent obesity is increasing worldwide, and a minority of adolescents are meeting recommended physical activity (PA) and dietary guidelines, particularly among adolescents from low socioeconomic areas. There are limited studies qualitatively investigating the engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours in this population.

Therefore, this study aimed to gain a greater understanding of perceived barriers and facilitators of healthy lifestyle behaviours, specifically PA and dietary behaviours, in this under-represented population. Methods Eight semistructured qualitative focus groups with 35 adolescents aged 13 - 15 years old were conducted across four European countries (Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, UK) following the Theory of Planned Behaviour framework which states that individual behavioural intentions are grounded on attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control.

Discussions were centred on adolescents' PA and healthy eating behaviours and were thematically analysed. Results Regarding attitudes, adolescents understood the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviours but often failed to engage in them.

Concerning subjective norms, friends and peers were perceived as barriers to PA, except during physical education (PE) classes.