Teenage food decisions

From 2014 to 2016 students from three schools in Rarotonga participated in the Pacific Science for Health Literacy Project (PSHLP) Healthy Start to Life learning programmes. Year 9 students explored social, scientific and community evidence to investigate the impact of our food environment from before we are born on our health and wellbeing throughout life. The programmes were integrated into core learning in a range of subjects including science, social studies and health. 

Using implementation science we explored the impact of the programmes on the development of capabilities that support active and engaged citizenship, and on health-related attitudes and behaviours. This showed that the programmes encouraged engagement in learning and supported the development of capabilities that enable students to seek out and explore evidence about issues impacting their families and community.  

In 2016.........(tell it as a story)

The research team identified a number of enablers that supported teenagers making healthy food choices, as well as barriers preventing teenagers from making healthy food choices.

This study provides Tereora College and other local schools with evidence that could facilitate further exploration of these reported enablers and barriers within the staff, student and parent communities that may contribute to policy and practice.

 Students found the programmes interesting and they engaed well in their learningthat some students made and sustained healthy food choices, while others did not. Therefore, the PSHLP research team wanted to carry out a smaller case study to explore in-depth the factors influencing food choices of Rarotongan teenagers.

Thirteen students from Tereora College Year 10 took part in this case study in 2017. Each student completed a three-day food and activity diary. An interview with the student and another with their parent/caregiver were also carried out.