Motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults: a qualitative study
Abstract Background Nutrition information-seeking behavior is highly prevalent even though it can be challenging to find reliable nutrition information in the current media landscape. Previous quantitative research has identified which population segments use which sources, yet little is known about...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2022-12-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14851-w |
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| author | Jules Vrinten Kathleen Van Royen Sara Pabian Charlotte De Backer Christophe Matthys |
| author_facet | Jules Vrinten Kathleen Van Royen Sara Pabian Charlotte De Backer Christophe Matthys |
| author_sort | Jules Vrinten |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Nutrition information-seeking behavior is highly prevalent even though it can be challenging to find reliable nutrition information in the current media landscape. Previous quantitative research has identified which population segments use which sources, yet little is known about motivations underpinning nutrition information-seeking behavior. Understanding motivations for seeking nutrition information can increase the efficacy of future nutrition education efforts. The present study aims to identify motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 adults (n women = 15, n men = 4, n other = 1). Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed in NVivo 12 using inductive thematic analysis. The coding process involved open and axial coding combined with constant comparison to identify themes. Results The interviews revealed a diverse spectrum of motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior. Five categories of motivations centered on health management, cognitive needs, affective needs, social integrative needs, and personal identity. Participants indicated seeking nutrition information to regain a sense of control over their health and it also helped them express their autonomy. Additionally, participants sought nutrition information out of curiosity or out of a long-standing interest. Nutrition information-seeking was also used as a form of emotion regulation with participants actively engaging in seeking behavior to pursue enjoyment, diversion, confirmation, inspiration, and even relaxation. Furthermore, nutrition information-seeking enabled participants to meet social integrative needs by helping them connect to others, gather social support, help others, and sometimes convince others. Lastly, participants indicated a need for nutrition information to express or defend their identity. Conclusions Our results indicate that beneath the surface of a more apparent need for nutrition information lies a range of motivations demonstrating that nutrition information serves more complex needs than simply information needs. To improve the efficacy of future nutrition education efforts, communication strategies must be tailored to a diverse range of motivations. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T04:04:35Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-dac5f16422b742c884e4ea19f127790b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T04:04:35Z |
| publishDate | 2022-12-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-dac5f16422b742c884e4ea19f127790b2023-01-01T12:29:24ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582022-12-0122111110.1186/s12889-022-14851-wMotivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults: a qualitative studyJules Vrinten0Kathleen Van Royen1Sara Pabian2Charlotte De Backer3Christophe Matthys4Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental EndocrinologyResearch Centre The Cycle of Care, Karel de Grote University CollegeFaculty of Social Sciences, Dept. of Communication Sciences, University of AntwerpFaculty of Social Sciences, Dept. of Communication Sciences, University of AntwerpDepartment of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental EndocrinologyAbstract Background Nutrition information-seeking behavior is highly prevalent even though it can be challenging to find reliable nutrition information in the current media landscape. Previous quantitative research has identified which population segments use which sources, yet little is known about motivations underpinning nutrition information-seeking behavior. Understanding motivations for seeking nutrition information can increase the efficacy of future nutrition education efforts. The present study aims to identify motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 adults (n women = 15, n men = 4, n other = 1). Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed in NVivo 12 using inductive thematic analysis. The coding process involved open and axial coding combined with constant comparison to identify themes. Results The interviews revealed a diverse spectrum of motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior. Five categories of motivations centered on health management, cognitive needs, affective needs, social integrative needs, and personal identity. Participants indicated seeking nutrition information to regain a sense of control over their health and it also helped them express their autonomy. Additionally, participants sought nutrition information out of curiosity or out of a long-standing interest. Nutrition information-seeking was also used as a form of emotion regulation with participants actively engaging in seeking behavior to pursue enjoyment, diversion, confirmation, inspiration, and even relaxation. Furthermore, nutrition information-seeking enabled participants to meet social integrative needs by helping them connect to others, gather social support, help others, and sometimes convince others. Lastly, participants indicated a need for nutrition information to express or defend their identity. Conclusions Our results indicate that beneath the surface of a more apparent need for nutrition information lies a range of motivations demonstrating that nutrition information serves more complex needs than simply information needs. To improve the efficacy of future nutrition education efforts, communication strategies must be tailored to a diverse range of motivations.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14851-wNutritionInformation-seeking behaviorQualitativeMotivationMedia |
| spellingShingle | Jules Vrinten Kathleen Van Royen Sara Pabian Charlotte De Backer Christophe Matthys Motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults: a qualitative study BMC Public Health Nutrition Information-seeking behavior Qualitative Motivation Media |
| title | Motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults: a qualitative study |
| title_full | Motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults: a qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults: a qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults: a qualitative study |
| title_short | Motivations for nutrition information-seeking behavior among Belgian adults: a qualitative study |
| title_sort | motivations for nutrition information seeking behavior among belgian adults a qualitative study |
| topic | Nutrition Information-seeking behavior Qualitative Motivation Media |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14851-w |
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