Qualitative analysis of healthy eating attitudes among self-sufficient shelter residents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Access and feasibility are strong barriers to healthy eating and prevalent among individuals in the lowest income bracket. While studies have addressed ways policymakers can alleviate these issues, more qualitative research is needed to understand food access in these populations. To assess nutrition beliefs and behaviors, this study recruited 31 self-sufficient shelter residents (individuals within 3 months of a stable life situation) to complete a brief survey on food attitudes, stage of change, and participate in focus groups. The sample was predominantly Black (48.4%, n = 15), male (48.4%, n = 15), and employed (53.3%, n = 16). We examined survey responses and used NVivo to identify themes from the focus groups. Qualitative analysis revealed participants distrusted food companies/government, lacked specific knowledge for healthy eating, felt little control to be healthier, yet desired to acquire the knowledge and resources to be healthier. Future qualitative research should probe health theory components, specifically how distrust and health willingness influence healthy-eating behavior with larger samples of individuals with low income.