Poster Presentation Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting

Motivators and barriers to engaging in healthy eating and physical activity in young adult men (#155)

Lee M Ashton 1 , Melinda J Hutchesson 1 , Megan E Rollo 1 , Philip J Morgan 2 , Deborah Thompson 3 , Clare E Collins 1
  1. Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition , School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  2. Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  3. Childrens Nutrition Research Centre, Baylor College of Medicine, Huston, Texas, USA
Background: The most recent Australian Health survey identified that young men (18-24yrs) have numerous health concerns including: 42% overweight/obese, 48% not meeting national physical activity recommendations and 97% failing to consume adequate intakes of fruit and vegetables. There is a lack of engagement and general lack of understanding for the needs of young men and many health-related interventions use a 'one-size fits all’ approach, failing to acknowledge the behavioural, biological and gender differences for this population group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore young men’s motivators and barriers to engaging in healthy eating and physical activity. Methods: Seven focus groups (approx. 45 minutes) were undertaken in 42 young men (18-25yrs) from Hunter region, Australia recruited from the local University, technical colleges (TAFE) and community. Separate focus groups were conducted based on self-reported BMI (4-sessions; n=28 normal weight, 3-sessions; n=14 overweight/obese). To determine motivators and barriers 4 open-ended questions were asked. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed. Leximancer software analysed and grouped participant responses into common themes/concepts. Responses were analysed for whole group and by BMI. Results: Preliminary results show the key motivators were similar for healthy eating and being physically active in the whole group (improve health/wellbeing, to feel better, improve body image, improve sports performance and attract partner). Motivators for overweight/obese young men were focused around improving image and attracting a partner, whilst motivators for normal weight young men were centred on improving sporting performance. Barriers were similar for healthy eating and being physically active in the whole group (cost and lack of: time, skills, knowledge and motivation). There were no distinct differences in barriers between BMI groups. Conclusion: Future health-research may look to address the motivators and barriers to tailor intervention content so it is more relevant and appealing for young men.