Hard-to-reach communities in the rural Ecuador: A qualitative perspective on dietary habits and physical activity

• Published in: Health & place 2025-01, Vol.91, p.103386, Article 103386
• Main Authors: M, Puig-García, LA, Parker, C, Caicedo-Montaño, M, Márquez-Figueroa, E, Chilet-Rosell
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dietary habits; Ecuador; Hard-to-reach communities; Physical activity
• ISSN: 1353-8292; 1873-2054; 1873-2054
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103386

While many studies focus on urban areas, it's vital to understand health-related behaviours in rural communities. This paper aims to explore the factors that influence dietary habits and physical activity from the perspective of men and women of different ethnic groups living in a hard-to-reach rural area in Ecuador. We conducted 5 focus groups with 37 participants (26 women) from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds in marginalized communities in Esmeraldas. The thematic analysis showed environment and culture shape dietary habits and physical activity, influenced by taste preferences, economic factors, and societal norms, with gender roles and beauty standards playing significant roles. •It is important to consider contextual and ethnic characteristics when designing gender public health programmes for non-urban areas.•There is a need for broader reflection on how lack of access to healthy food affects people living in obese settings in low- and middle-income countries.•This study highlights the complex interaction of social and cultural factors in a given setting in relation to dietary behaviour and physical activity.