Factors Influencing Eating Behaviors among Junior Enlisted Sailors in Non-Deployed Settings
Abstract
Nutritional fitness is critical for human performance optimization, but most service members do not eat nutritious diets. The purpose of this study was to explore determinants of eating behaviors of junior enlisted Sailors working in non-deployed settings within the context of Navy and military culture. The specific aims were to: (a) identify the intrapersonal, social, environmental, and cultural factors that influence eating behaviors; (b) investigate the influence of cyclic physical readiness testing (PRT) on eating behaviors; and (c) identify perceived barriers and facilitators to healthy eating behaviors. This study was a focused ethnography guided by a social ecological framework. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit active duty, junior enlisted Sailors, 18 to 25 years, stationed at Naval installations (n = 32). Systematic data collection through observations, interviews, and artifacts occurred in parallel with deductive and inductive data analyses. Data were organized in NVivo (145) and analyzed through data condensation (e.g., coding), data display (e.g., creating matrices), and conclusion drawing and verification (e.g., identification of patterns) to identify culturally relevant categories and themes as conceptualized by participants. Quantitative data (demographics and healthy eating score) were analyzed in SPSS (v 27.0). Data were triangulated to provide detailed descriptions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 06, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1183214
Entities
People
- Melissa R. Troncoso
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences