School Food Environment in Urban Zambia: A Qualitative Analysis of Drivers of Adolescent Food Choices and Their Policy Implications

This study explores the food environment in urban schools in Lusaka, Zambia, analyzing factors influencing adolescent food choices. Using focus group discussions with grade 10 students from ten secondary schools, the research applies Turner’s framework to examine both external and internal food environment factors. The findings reveal that adolescents’ food choices are shaped by affordability, availability, and social desirability, with cheap, unhealthy snacks being the most accessible options. The study highlights the need for policy reforms to promote affordable, healthy food choices and restrict unhealthy food marketing in school environments.

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