Barriers and facilitators to adopting healthier lifestyle among low‐income women in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction Low socioeconomic status (SES) is significantly associated with increased levels of obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity leading to a higher risk of chronic diseases. This study aimed to explore low SES women's barriers and facilitators to engaging in a healthy lifestyle and their accounts in developing future behaviour change interventions. Methods Qualitative study using focus group interviews informed by the Capability Opportunity Motivation—Behavior (COM‐B) framework. Interviews were conducted with a convenience sample, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. This study is conducted in partnership with Alnahda Society, a prominent nongovernmental organization in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results We conducted five focus groups with a total of 29 participants. We identified five overarching themes from the data related to participants' definition of a ‘healthy life’, the difficulties they face that hinder their engagement with a healthy lifestyle, the methods and reasons for changing health behaviour and participants' views of an ideal future behaviour change intervention. Women's definition of a healthy lifestyle did not only include a healthy diet and physical activity but also emphasized the importance of improving mental wellness. Following a healthy lifestyle, although desired, is not always a priority for women with low SES due to the high cost, lack of availability of healthy options and time constraints. Many women in our sample discussed the need to have a routine and discipline to follow and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Family members' support for behaviour change was discussed as a facilitator to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Women highlighted several reasons that would motivate them to change their health behaviour, including having or preventing health conditions, improving mental health, and managing weight. Participants also discussed the characteristics of an ideal behaviour change intervention. Discussion This study suggests that women with low SES are faced with several barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle. Behaviour change intervention targeting this population needs to be tailored to address these barriers and facilitate behaviour change for people with limited resources. National policies to improve the availability and affordability of healthy options are also needed to reduce health disparities. Patient and Public Contributions Women of low SES who took part in the study were given a chance at the end of each focus group discussion to reflect on the questions and add any areas important to them that were not covered during the interview. Experts working with disadvantaged populations in a nonprofit organization (Alnahda society) contributed to the design of the topic guide.

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“…Still, lifestyle modification and weight reduction adherence remain challenging 34 35. One limitation of such lifestyle modification programmes is the absence of social support and lack of motivation 36 37. Involvement of social support from family, friends, relatives and neighbours may improve lifestyle modification adherence and increase the programme’s effectiveness 38 39.…”

“… 34 35 One limitation of such lifestyle modification programmes is the absence of social support and lack of motivation. 36 37 Involvement of social support from family, friends, relatives and neighbours may improve lifestyle modification adherence and increase the programme’s effectiveness. 38 39 Peer support is an approach that has worked to help family members, friends or neighbours to improve health and prevent diseases.…”