A Qualitative Analysis of High School Student and Caregiver Perceptions of Food Access and Adherence to Nutrition Guidelines Across Home and Community Settings

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Federal nutrition education initiatives (“MyPlate”) intend to facilitate healthful eating behaviors in families; however, little is known about how minoritized students and caregivers perceive adherence to MyPlate guidelines or perceptions of importance of eating in alignment with guidelines. Purpose Study aims included: 1) determine how students and caregivers perceive their dietary intake as it relates to MyPlate in both home and community environments and 2) assess motivations to adhere to MyPlate guidelines. Methods In-person focus groups with 47 high school students and 24 caregiver interviews were conducted and coded using qualitative thematic analysis. Results Meals at home differed from restaurants regarding food group portions. Caregivers highlighted food cost as a major factor when purchasing for specific food groups. Reasons for eating in accordance with MyPlate included: 1) health status/disease prevention, 2) weight status, 3) nutritional balance, 4) increased energy. Discussion Nutrition campaigns may benefit from images that do not put food categories into narrow boxes. Work is needed to address systemic, environmental, and individual factors in food accessibility across settings that affect guideline adherence. Translation to Health Education Practice Findings can support local and federal funding initiatives addressing barriers to healthful eating and provide targeted educational tools beyond MyPlate.