Nutrition and Physical Activities in the Schools: A Qualitative Study of Children Perceptions in Brunei Darussalam

Aims: The aim of the study was to elicit opinions and attitudes towards healthy eating and physical activity in their schools and barriers towards the activities.

Study Design: Qualitative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Primary school settings in Brunei Darussalam. Duration of the study was January 2012 – January 2013.

Methodology: Five focus groups of primary school students in years 4, 5, and 6 were conducted at 5 selected primary schools in Brunei Darussalam. The focus group session was between 30 minutes and 45 minutes duration and was divided into two separate sections: ‘healthy eating' and ‘physical activity'. Interviews were transcribed verbatim into a word document and names were removed to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data.

Results: Thematic analysis of the focus group discussions with children produced the following three themes: ‘healthy eating and physical activity are important for a healthy and strong body free of disease’, ‘unhealthy foods make us fat, cause diabetes and are bad for teeth’ and ,physical activity mainly related to playing together in groups.’

Conclusion: The children have a good understanding of the detrimental effect of poor diet and inactivity on physical health, but, without a supportive environment, children are faced with a significant barrier in translating their knowledge into action. The students were keen to do more fun activities such as sports activities in the school but were hindered by the availability of time, equipment and safety within the school compound.