Socio-cognitive barriers to healthy eating among mothers: A segmentation analysis in Argentina, France and Denmark

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased at an alarm rate despite several actions to reverse this trend. It is important to focus on tackling the constraints for healthy food provisioning. We focus on identifying segments of mothers in relation to factors acting as barriers to healthy eating. Five hundred mothers in each country (Argentina, France and Denmark) completed an online survey. In each of the three countries, four segments are identified, varying mostly on working and socio-economic status, self-efficacy and attitudes to health experts. Segments of mothers who are skeptical to nutrition advice from health professionals were identified. Another important finding is that staying-at-home mothers might face more barriers to healthy eating than mothers who work outside the home. We provide suggestions for targeted interventions addressing healthy eating behaviors among mothers with different profiles.

Automated summary

Despite efforts to address childhood obesity, its prevalence continues to increase rapidly. This study focuses on identifying barriers to healthy eating among mothers and categorizes them into different segments. It reveals a skeptical attitude towards nutrition advice from health professionals among some mothers and highlights that stay-at-home mothers may face more obstacles to healthy eating. Targeted interventions addressing the diverse profiles of mothers are suggested.