title: Laefstael jenses: an investigation of barriers and facilitators for healthy lifestyles of women in an urban Pacific island context.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Pacific region has experienced rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, which lead to high rates of noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevalence. There is no information on barriers and facilitators for healthy lifestyles in this region. In response, we present the first stage of a rigorous development of an urban Pacific health intervention program. This paper describes formative work conducted in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The objective of this paper was to understand cultural barriers and facilitators in Pacific women to lifestyle change and use the findings to inform future health interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured focus groups with 37 female civil servants divided into 6 groups were held verbally to understand barriers and facilitators for healthy lifestyles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several perceived barriers and facilitators were identified. Inter alia, barriers include financial limitations, time issues, family commitments, environmental aspects, and motivational hindrances that limit time and opportunities for healthy lifestyle behavior. Facilitators include more supportive environments, social support mechanisms, and the implementation of rigorous health policies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Formative work is essential in designing health intervention programs. Uncovered barriers and facilitators help inform the development of culturally relevant health interventions.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Siefken
authors.forename: Grant
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schofield
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Schulenkorf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004032:Diet / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology; D015995:Prevalence; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009514:Vanuatu / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health