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199910 https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.199910 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ All Rights Reserved 2025 176 pages Masters Thesis Academic theses en Sandoval Mejia, Kate Vega-López, Sonia SVL McCoy, Maureen MM Der Ananian, Cheryl CA Arizona State University Partial requirement for: M.S., Arizona State University, 2025 Field of study: Nutrition Objectives. To use the socio-ecological model (SEM) to qualitatively explore and understand the perceived factors (internal or external) that influence eating behaviors among middle-aged (45-64 years old) Mexican and Mexican American males. Methods. Mexican and Mexican American male participants (n=34; 54 +/- 7.0 years) were enrolled in the study and attended one of six focus group sessions. Participants completed baseline surveys to self-report sociodemographic information prior to attending sessions. Sessions were guided by a bilingual, male moderator using a moderator’s guide to facilitate group discussion. Questions were grounded on the Social Ecological Model to further explore the various influences impacting eating behaviors. Data was analyzed using an inductive and deductive approach based on Grounded Theory for qualitative research. The themes identified were stratified using the SEM. Sociodemographic data were assessed on SPSS statistics. Results. Reported themes reveal that participants face more individual-level barriers compared to other levels within the SEM. At the individual level, personal choices, habitual behaviors, and nutrition knowledge were observed as participant’s main barriers to eating healthy. At the interpersonal level, food choices were influenced by family and friends but also by a family-driven desire for health. Convenience, work-related barriers, large portion sizes, and sociocultural traditions were environmental factors that hindered healthier eating practices. Conclusion. Findings suggest that barriers and facilitators to dietary behaviors among Mexican and Mexican American men include personal preferences, habitual behaviors, personal factors, familial relationships and support, convenience, and physical and socio-cultural environments. Future intervention programs should incorporate content addressing these factors to support implementing healthy lifestyle habits, encouraging familial participation, providing skills and education when eating out, or modifying cultural ways of eating in a way that still preserves cultural food traditions. Future interventions should also take into consideration socio-economic status, medical resources, health literacy, and acculturation factors that influence eating behaviors among Mexicans.   Nutrition Behavioral Sciences Exploring the Perceived Factors that Influence Dietary Behaviors Among Mexican And Mexican American Men in the United States