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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Obesity | Research article

Stakeholders perspectives of barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies in Iran: A Delphi method study

Authors: Shahnaz Taghizadeh, Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi, Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is one of the most important health challenges of the present century. Many factors affect the prevention policies related to this health problem and make their implementation difficult. This study examined perceived barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies by stakeholders.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive research design based on Delphi method was conducted. In addition, semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with childhood obesity prevention policy stakeholders (n=39) and initial identification of barriers and facilitators in this area. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and finally analyzed, followed by using thematic analysis. Subsequently, two-round Delphi panel was done by sending e-mails to stakeholders (21 stakeholders participated in the first round and 15 stakeholders in the second round) for the final selection of barriers and facilitators of obesity prevention policies among children and adolescents in Iran.

Results

The identified barriers and facilitators were divided into three levels: individual, executive, and structural. Barriers and facilitators of the structural level showed a high score and priority regarding obesity prevention policies among children and adolescents.

Conclusion

The existence of significant barriers at all three levels and especially at the structural level were among the concerns of stakeholders.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Stakeholders perspectives of barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies in Iran: A Delphi method study
Authors
Shahnaz Taghizadeh
Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi
Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keywords
Obesity
Obesity
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12282-7

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