Barriers and Facilitators for Health Behavior Change among Adults from Multi-Problem Households: A Qualitative Study

Gera E. Nagelhout, Lette Hogeling, Renate Spruijt, Nathalie Postma and Hein De Vries
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Gera E. Nagelhout: Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands
Lette Hogeling: Chair Group Health & Society, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6700 EW, The Netherlands
Renate Spruijt: Stimenz, Apeldoorn 7311 JD, The Netherlands
Nathalie Postma: Stimenz, Apeldoorn 7311 JD, The Netherlands
Hein De Vries: Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: Multi-problem households are households with problems on more than one of the following core problem areas: socio-economic problems, psycho-social problems, and problems related to child care. The aim of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators for health behavior change among adults from multi-problem households, as well as to identify ideas for a health promotion program. A qualitative study involving 25 semi-structured interviews was conducted among Dutch adults who received intensive family home care for multi-problem households. Results were discussed with eight social workers in a focus group interview. Data were analyzed using the Framework Method. The results revealed that the main reason for not engaging in sports were the costs. Physical activity was facilitated by physically active (transport to) work and by dog ownership. Respondents who received a food bank package reported this as a barrier for healthy eating. Those with medical conditions such as diabetes indicated that this motivated them to eat healthily. Smokers and former smokers reported that stress was a major barrier for quitting smoking but that medical conditions could motivate them to quit smoking. A reported reason for not using alcohol was having difficult past experiences such as violence and abuse by alcoholics. Mentioned intervention ideas were: something social, an outdoor sports event, cooking classes, a walking group, and children’s activities in nature. Free or cheap activities that include social interaction and reduce stress are in line with the identified barriers and facilitators. Besides these activities, it may be important to influence the target group’s environment by educating social workers and ensuring healthier food bank packages.

Keywords: healthy lifestyle; multi-problem households; smoking; physical activity; nutrition; alcohol; social class; Netherlands (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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