Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Eating among Adult Food Bank Users.
Publication Title
Western journal of nursing research
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2-2020
Keywords
diversity/inclusion
Abstract
Healthy eating relates to improved health, yet adult food bank users report difficulty accessing healthy foods. Registered nurses can promote healthy eating for food bank recipients by understanding perceived obstacles and facilitators. Urban food bank users completed a survey, and qualitative content analysis was used to analyze four open-ended questions regarding perceptions of healthy eating. In total, 196 adults were included in analysis. Two main categories were identified as perceived facilitators and barriers to healthy eating. Themes from the facilitator category included internal resources and external resources. Themes from the barrier category were personal challenges and environmental issues. Healthy eating is a complex behavior that requires personal motivation, skills, and social/environmental supports to be successfully executed among food bank recipients. Nurses should advocate to leverage food bank resources for healthier eating by offering nurtition counseling at events, optimizing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and decreasing unhealthy food options.
Clinical Institute
Digestive Health
Specialty/Research Institute
Nursing
Specialty/Research Institute
Nutrition
Specialty/Research Institute
Population Health