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Pregnant Adolescents, Beliefs About Healthy Eating, Factors that Influence Food Choices, and Nutrition Education Preferences
Author(s) -
Wise Nancy J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of midwifery and women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1111/jmwh.12275
Subject(s) - focus group , nutrition education , population , medicine , pregnancy , intervention (counseling) , developmental psychology , qualitative research , psychology , food choice , clinical psychology , environmental health , gerontology , psychiatry , pathology , social science , marketing , sociology , biology , business , genetics
Healthy eating among pregnant adolescents is essential for the well‐being of developing adolescent females and their fetuses, as well as for the prevention of adult chronic illness. Understanding factors that influence and prohibit healthy eating, along with preferences for nutrition education in the pregnant adolescent population, is critical when designing and implementing appropriate nutrition education programs. The purpose of this study was to collect individual viewpoints of pregnant adolescents to facilitate the development of a nutrition intervention. Methods This qualitative study using focus group methodology was conducted among pregnant adolescents. Participants (N = 14) were recruited through and teen parenting programs in the Mid‐Atlantic region. Focus groups were guided by 6 open‐ended questions that were developed based on implications from a previous study that surveyed eating habits of pregnant adolescents. Data were analyzed and coded using verbatim transcripts. Transcripts were read carefully for overall content and identification of major categories and then compared for similar and contrasting data. Results Four recurring themes emerged that described beliefs about healthy eating, influences on food choices, and nutrition education preferences: 1) pregnant adolescents demonstrate overall knowledge of healthy foods but are unwilling to give up unhealthy foods; 2) parents, offspring, and pregnancy influence healthy eating habits; 3) pregnant adolescents choose foods based on appearance and taste, cravings, convenience, and cost; and 4) pregnancy alters eating habits. Nutrition education in this population should be peer‐ and adolescent‐focused and incorporate preferred methods of learning and favored incentives. Discussion Pregnant adolescents are more likely to attend educational programs that are population‐specific and peer‐focused, and include incentives that make cooking easier, more convenient, and affordable. Program content should be available to potential participants ahead of time. Preferred methods of learning include video format, peer discussion, and hands‐on cooking with active participation in food preparation. Foods that are prepared should be visually appealing and adolescent‐friendly.