title: A theory-informed qualitative exploration of social and environmental determinants of physical activity and dietary choices in adolescents with intellectual disabilities in their final year of school.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of obesity is higher in those with intellectual disabilities than the general population. The aim of the study was to understand the determinants of physical activity and dietary patterns in this population during their final year of school.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative data were generated from 10 interviews with adolescents with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis, employing Self-Determination Theory as a theoretical framework.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Adolescents' environment and social interactions play a pivotal role in influencing physical activity and dietary patterns. Three themes emerged from the analysis: situatedness, motivation and wider environmental influences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  School structure, high self-efficacy and social connectedness facilitate increased physical activity and healthier diet in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Home life, low self-efficacy and a lack of social connectedness can serve as a barrier to PA and a healthy diet.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Activity for Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7817-210X
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jahoda
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Lynsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.affiliation: Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Nursing and Dentistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hankey
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Melville
authors.affiliation: Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Activity for Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011582:Psychological Theory; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012574:Schools; D012931:Social Environment
keywords: dietary patterns; intellectual disabilities; physical activity; qualitative; self-determination; transition