Drivers and barriers of successful short-term dietary behavior change: Transferable factors from a qualitative case...

While extensive research has examined factors influencing dietary behavior change, relatively little is known about what supports individuals in successfully maintaining such changes. Ramadan fasting (RF) provides a unique context to explore both context-specific and transferable factors underlying successful short-term dietary behavior change, as many individuals are expected to complete the full one-month fasting period. The current qualitative study aimed to identify the primary and secondary drivers of successful short-term dietary behavior change by examining the subjectively experienced motivations, barriers, and coping strategies among adults engaging in RF. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 adults at three time points: before, during, and at the end of Ramadan. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and interpreted through the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model. Six overarching themes emerged: (1) Religion and Spirituality, (2) Social-Structural-Related Factors, (3) Physical and Mental Sensations, (4) Capability, (5) Food-Related Factors, and (6) Health and Weight Management. Findings revealed that adherence was primarily driven by religious obligation, spiritual meaning, and collective participation, factors unique to the Ramadan context, while capability, social support, self-regulation, and habit formation emerged as secondary, transferable drivers that supported maintenance and may extend to other dietary contexts. Successful behavior change resulted from the dynamic interaction of motivation, opportunity, and capability. These findings suggest that interventions aiming to promote sustained dietary change may benefit from aligning behavioral goals with individuals' core values, fostering social reinforcement, and supporting habit development through repeated practice.