Advisory Committee Chair
Retta Evans
Advisory Committee Members
Scott Snyder
Larrell Wilkinson
Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2014
Degree Name by School
Master of Arts in Education (MAE) School of Education
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore University of Alabama at Birmingham students' perceptions of the availability, accessibility and barriers of healthy eating on campus. There was a total sample of 33 participants; 28 participated in focus groups, and 5 were interviewed. Barriers for healthy eating on campus included: accessibility, price, food factors, and student input. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed to find themes and subthemes. The themes that emerged were accessibility, money, food, education, and student opinion. These themes were the same for focus groups and interviews. However, subthemes varied between focus groups and interviews. Students seemed to feel like unhealthy and processed foods are more available and accessible than healthy foods. In addition, students reported that for the most part, the healthy foods available on campus were processed, not of good quality, and tasted badly. Barriers for healthy eating on campus included: accessibility, price, food factors, and student input. Students felt like these barriers were not facilitating healthy eating at UAB's campus. Recommendations for implementation were made to UAB Campus Dining. By working together with students, a greater sense of community and a healthier nutrition environment can be achieved.
Recommended Citation
Burnett, Kara, "Students' Perspectives of an Urban University Nutrition Environment: A Qualitative Approach" (2014). All ETDs from UAB. 1299.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/1299