Perceived barriers to achieving a healthy weight: a qualitative study using focus groups at public and private schools in Guatemala City

Luisa Madrigal,Inez Adams,Joaquin Barnoya,Violeta Chacon

doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3978-9

Abstract

BackgroundOverweight prevalence among Guatemalan girls is higher in public than in private schools. Little is known about adolescent girls’ perceptions of the right ways to achieve a healthy weight. This study examines public and private school adolescent girls’ perceptions of a “healthy weight,” and barriers and facilitators to achieving it.MethodsWe conducted 4 focus groups in public and private schools in Guatemala City with girls from 13 to 15 years old. The discussion guide included open-ended questions and activities aimed at examining perceptions of “healthy weight” and barriers and motivators to achieving it within the school environment. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analyses followed established methods of content analysis.ResultsTwenty-eight girls (private school, n = 12; public school, n = 16) of ages ranging from 13.1 to 15.9 years (median, 14, IQR, 13.6–14.9) participated in the study. Girls identified images of thin and fit women as healthy. They cited healthy eating and physical activity as ways to achieve a healthy weight. Within the school environment, barriers to maintaining a healthy weight included a lack of healthy food options and the prioritization of sports for boys over girls. In public schools, facilities were less than optimal; in private schools, girls’ access to facilities was limited. Public school girls stated that their uniforms were inappropriate for exercising.ConclusionOur findings support the need to provide more healthy food options in Guatemalan schools. In addition, physical activity for girls should be promoted and facilities made available for their use.

Highlights

Overweight prevalence among Guatemalan girls is higher in public than in private schools
In Guatemala, most adolescents enrolled in public schools are from low socioeconomic status (SES) households, while those in private schools are from higher SES households [9]
In conclusion, the perceptions of healthy weight in girls are adequate and do not differ by SES in our sample. This suggests that more effort should be given to increasing the availability of healthy food and creating physical activity opportunities than in increasing knowledge

Summary

Introduction

Overweight prevalence among Guatemalan girls is higher in public than in private schools. Little is known about adolescent girls’ perceptions of the right ways to achieve a healthy weight. This study examines public and private school adolescent girls’ perceptions of a “healthy weight,” and barriers and facilitators to achieving it. Overweight adolescents are more likely to become overweight adults [4] and more likely to Overweight prevalence is higher among adolescent girls from lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups [8]. In Guatemala, most adolescents enrolled in public schools are from low SES households, while those in private schools are from higher SES households [9]. In adolescent girls ages 13–15, the combined overweight and obesity prevalence is 42.9% among those in public schools and 35.1% among those in private schools [3]. Understanding the drivers of obesity across gender and SES is key to creating appropriate policy interventions

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion