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School Food Environment in Urban Zambia: A Qualitative Analysis of Drivers of Adolescent Food Choices and Their Policy Implications

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  • Mulenga Mary Mukanu

    (School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa)

  • Anne Marie Thow

    (Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Peter Delobelle

    (Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
    Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussel, Belgium)

  • Zandile June-Rose Mchiza

    (School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
    Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa)

Abstract

Identifying context specific points for reforming policy to promote healthier food environments and consumer behavior in critical life stages like adolescence is crucial in addressing the double burden of malnutrition. Using a qualitative study design, we conducted 20 focus group discussions with grade 10 pupils from ten secondary schools in Lusaka. Turner’s framework which conceptualizes the food environment into two domains—the external domain (availability, pricing, vendor and product properties, and marketing and regulation of food) and the internal domain (accessibility, affordability, convenience, and desirability of food)—was used to guide thematic data analysis and results interpretation. Adolescents stated their food choices are largely based on personal preference linked to the need for social acceptability among peers. Adolescents felt their food choice is limited to ‘cheap junk foods’ which are affordable and readily available at school. Healthy foods like fruits were said to be inaccessible and unaffordable by the majority of adolescents. Some adolescents stated they were attracted to certain foods by adverts they see on TV and social media. School food environments in urban Lusaka do not support healthy food choices. Policy reforms are required to increase access to affordable healthy food options in schools, and to curb the indiscriminate marketing of unhealthy foods to adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Mulenga Mary Mukanu & Anne Marie Thow & Peter Delobelle & Zandile June-Rose Mchiza, 2022. "School Food Environment in Urban Zambia: A Qualitative Analysis of Drivers of Adolescent Food Choices and Their Policy Implications," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7460-:d:841586
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zandile June-Rose Mchiza, 2022. "Diet Therapy and Public Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-7, July.

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