Perspectives of Malaysian parents on eating out: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The culture of eating out among Malaysians has substantially increased in recent years due to the urbanisation of the society. Frequent eating out has been linked with reduced quality of diet, reduced intake of micronutrients, and increased weight gain. This study aims to explore specific factors on the perceptions and behaviours related to eating out from the perspective of parents. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out among 27 informants from various ethnicities and locations in Peninsular Malaysia. All sessions were audio-recorded, fully transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: The main overarching theme that surfaced from this study was the role of parents in shaping the practice of eating out. Time constraints due to parents’ work commitments, the availability of various food outlets, increase in family bonding time and food preferences were recurring themes revealed by informants as facilitating factors to eating out. Other emerging themes, such as hygiene of food premises and cost of food, posed as barriers to eating out. Conclusion: These findings offered a better understanding on the eating out practices of a family from the parents’ perspective. Information as such could be incorporated in strategies to enhance the promotion of healthy eating and nutrition interventions that aim to inculcate healthy food choices while eating out.

Factors Affecting Customer Preference in Selecting Family Restaurant in Langkawi

“…The rise in the number of dining-out activities has been affected by changes in lifestyle (Majid et al, 2018). Due to the growing urbanisation of society, Malaysia is experiencing the emergence of a new dimension in the culture of eating out (Ghaffar et al, 2020). Rapid urbanisation and economic development have altered Malaysians' way of life, forcing both parents to work (Ali & Abdullah, 2012).…”