Impact of Socioeconomic and Social Contexts on Youth Perceptions of School Nutrition Policy Development in Lebanon

Abstract

School represents a proper place for health promotion among youth. This study aimed to explore the determinants of an eventual school nutrition policy (SNP) development by studying the perceptions of youth coming from different social contexts in Lebanon. It was a qualitative study conducted among 48 children and adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years in 8 schools (4 private and 4 public) in rural and urban Lebanese regions. An exhaustive integrated conceptual framework was used to explore the perceived determinants at different levels of action, namely individual, community/interpersonal and organizational. Directed and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with youth. Data from this research have been submitted to a thematic qualitative analysis to identify barriers and facilitators of SNP development in Lebanon. Coding guide was based on the integrated comprehensive conceptual framework. Transcripts were coded and revised by the 2 researchers for common themes. The results showed that an understanding of how the individual, community and organizational factors interact and influence youth lifestyle and perceptions is crucial to develop an effective SNP. Characteristics of the Lebanese social environment, including various socioeconomic and cultural factors such as beliefs, socioeconomic status, food-related social pressures, and social structures are major determinants of SNP development in different school profiles. It is important to integrate a comprehensive approach to explore youth perceptions of barriers and facilitators at different levels of influence, which complement and build upon each other, in order to thrive SNP development.