A qualitative exploration of parental decision-making regarding ultra-processed products for children aged 2 to 5...

The early and frequent consumption of ultra-processed products has emerged as a growing public health concern, driven by a growing body of evidence linking these products to a range of adverse health outcomes. This study explored parental perceptions of their children's consumption of ultra-processed products and examined the barriers and facilitators influencing their inclusion in the diets of children aged 2-5 years. Using a generic qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 parents residing in Montevideo, Uruguay, a South American country with one of the highest childhood overweight and obesity rates in the region (14.1 % of children under 5 years). The analysis was guided by qualitative content analysis, employing both inductive and deductive coding strategies. Although all participants recognized ultra-processed products as unhealthy, they acknowledged their children regularly consumed items such as yogurt, cookies, and sausages. While awareness of health risks served as a barrier, many parents expressed compensatory health beliefs that justified occasional consumption. Key facilitators included prevailing social norms, influence from family and peers, and the widespread availability and marketing of ultra-processed products. These findings highlight the complex interplay of individual beliefs and broader environmental influences in shaping parental decision-making. Results underscore the need for a comprehensive set of strategies to discourage the consumption of ultra-processed products. These could include nutrition education programs to raise awareness of their negative health effects beyond the age of two, alongside the implementation of robust public policies to address the widespread availability and promotion of these products.