Exploring Enablers and Barriers of Healthy Dietary Behavior Based on the Socio-Ecological Model, a Qualitative Systematic Review

Background: Dietary behavior comprises eating, preparing, or acquiring nutritious food, all of which have an impact on one's capacity to do so. A healthy diet is defined as consuming macronutrients in the right amounts to support physiologic and energetic needs without overeating, as well as enough micronutrients and fluids to satisfy those needs. This qualitative systematic review aimed to explore enablers and barriers of healthy dietary behavior based on a socio-ecological model. Methods: We use a qualitative systematic review using Joanna Biggs institute methodology and conducted thematic synthesis. We have used online databases such as PubMed, MIDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google scholars, World Health Organization libraries, and African Journals used to retrieve articles. Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) flowchart used throughout all steps. Results: In this qualitative systematic review, eleven (11) articles were included. Heterogeneous study participants were involved and data collection techniques used were in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focused group discussion. Thematic synthesis was used since it makes it possible transparently summarise the results of previous qualitative research. Based on the socio-ecological model healthy dietary behavior enabling and barriers influencing factors are identified with five major themes: intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and macro/policy level. Conclusion: Healthy dietary behavior is influenced by numerous factors and the socio-ecological model helps to ease to address these enabling and barriers to dietary healthy behavior. Therefore, we recommend using the socio-ecological model to develop effective behavior change interventions with multilevel approaches to improve health behaviors. Keywords: dietary behavior, systematic review, qualitative review, socio-ecological model