Physical activity and diet among adolescents of Kathmandu, Nepal: Knowledge and attitudes

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases are becoming more prevalent in Nepal and many risk factors attributing to these diseases are behaviour-related and therefore preventable. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes among students of grade eight and nine in Kathmandu toward physical activity and diet and their knowledge about how it affects their health. Methods: We conducted four focus groups that included 24 students to explore knowledge and attitudes toward physical activity among them. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim later. Method described by K. Malterud, inspired by Giorgi's phenomenological method was used to analyze the transcribed material. Results: Participants considered physical activity to be benefi cial for health in many ways. They also believed that healthy food is important to avoid diseases. Several participants mentioned that a balanced lifestyle is essential for a healthy life. Conclusion: Though the students saw the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet to avoid diseases and stay healthy, most of them did not connect a lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet to possible noncommunicable diseases in the future.

Factors influencing obesogenic behaviours of adolescent girls and women in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A qualitative evidence synthesis

“…The full‐text review resulted in a total of 72 included references 56‐127 reporting on a total of 71 studies from 27 different countries, with 23 studies conducted in Africa, 34 in Asia, and 14 in South America. Figure 1 shows details of references screened, included and excluded, and Table 1 shows the general characteristics of the included studies.…”

“…Overall, (un)healthiness of food was perceived more in relation to food safety and hygiene than nutritional quality per se 82 . Participants perceived packaged foods as the safer option, 76,87 which could limit fruit and vegetable consumption 88,89 A snack which is produced by dirty hands contains microbes and can cause illness.…”

“…[…] Therefore, I prefer packed puffs and chips to traditional bread and cheese because they are safer. ( 87 Iran, adolescents)Food prepared outside the home was generally considered unhealthy whereas home‐cooked food was considered safer 71,76,79,85,89,90 . Food seen as unsafe was also perceived as tasty, so that participants ate food they considered unhealthy, 71 notwithstanding food safety concerns 91 .…”

“…Several studies reported shifts in food culture. Overall, traditional and home‐cooked foods were perceived as healthier than food prepared outside the home, 71,79,85,87,89,90,96,107,124 and imported food was perceived as unhealthy 74,124,127 Our own local food is better for health and even for Samoan people to be stronger.…”

“…82 Participants perceived packaged foods as the safer option, 76,87 which could limit fruit and vegetable consumption. 88,89 A snack which is produced by dirty hands contains microbes and can cause illness.…”