Impact of school and work status on diet and physical activity in rural Guatemalan adolescent girls: a qualitative study

Abstract

In low-and middle-income countries, gender norms and access to energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods are wellstudied determinants of food and physical activity choices for adolescent girls. However, most work has been done in urban and school settings. In many settings, a large proportion of the adolescent population is rural or not enrolled in school. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 adolescent girls (ages 15-19) in Tecpán, Guatemala, a rural, largely indigenous Maya community. Interviews were coded and themes analyzed for insights into eating habits, food choices, and physical activity. Twelve participants were enrolled in school and eight were employed and not in school. Girls enrolled in school had more disrupted eating schedules and consumed more energy-dense, nutrientpoor foods. Girls not enrolled in school had fewer opportunities for physical activity and were more sedentary. To our knowledge, this study is the first in a low-and middle-income country to consider diet and physical activity of adolescent girls enrolled and not enrolled in school. Key implications include (1) the need to reduce exposure to nutrient-poor foods and promote healthy eating schedules in schools, and (2) the need to create community-based opportunities for the activity for girls no longer enrolled in school.

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.…”

“…My husband does not like to eat. ( 85 India, WRA)For adult women, time constraints were also a major factor given their traditional roles in the family and household 106,112,117 …”

“…For adolescents, parental support and parenting style had major impacts on obesogenic behaviours. For physical activity, parents were either supportive 102,117,118 or dissuasive, 65,69,71,98,101,104,106 financially or emotionally. Overall, adolescents reported that they had limited control over their own schedules and diets.…”

“…In most cases, peer pressure to join in with eating and sharing food did not encourage healthy eating 75,107,113 . One study found that peer influence was positive when adolescent girls exchanged knowledge about foods that could contribute to weight gain 117 . The amount of time spent with peers affected the increasing influence peers exerted in comparison with parents.…”

“…Schools were considered settings with safe and affordable facilities for physical activity 60,82,111,117 . However, sport facilities and equipment were not always available or appropriate 62 …”