Factors That Influence Snacking Behaviors of Adolescents From Urban Communities: A Qualitative Study

Objective: To qualitatively explore factors that influence snacking behaviors of adolescents from urban communities. Design: One-time, semistructured phone interviews based on Social Cognitive Theory. Setting: Boys and Girls Club in New York City. Participants: A total of 30 adolescents (aged 12-18 years; mean age 15.2 years, mostly female [57%], and Black or African American [83%]) were purposively recruited. This sample is representative of adolescent members at this Boys and Girls Club in New York City. Phenomenon of Interest: Adolescents were asked about personal, environmental, and behavioral factors influencing snacking. Analysis: Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and transcripts were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach in NVivo (version 12). Results: In terms of personal factors, adolescents' snacking was influenced by preference (eg, taste and brand), health benefits, and health concerns. Regarding the social environment, adolescents remarked that snacking with peers promoted unhealthy snacking, while snacking, with family promoted healthier snacking. The family culture was also a salient factor. In addition, adolescents discussed how proximity to corner stores in their physical environment fostered unhealthy snacking. Finally, behavioral factors that influenced frequent snacking were high self-efficacy and food autonomy. Conclusions and Implications: Snacking among adolescents from urban communities is influenced by preference, health, family/peer influence, neighborhood availability/access, and high autonomy. These factors can be targeted in interventions to improve snacking among this demographic.