Lusine Aslanyan (MPH ’18) and Anahit Demirchyan (MPH ’99) Publish in Appetite

2 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — American University of Armenia (AUA) Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (CHS) researchers Lusine Aslanyan (MPH ’18) and Anahit Demirchyan (MPH ’99), M.D., published a paper in the journal Appetite, an international, peer-reviewed journal with high impact factor and citation score “specializing in cultural, social, psychological, sensory and physiological influences on the selection and intake of foods and drinks.” The published study entitled “Barriers to healthy eating practices among school-aged children in Armenia: A qualitative study” combines the findings from Aslanyan’s MPH thesis project and CHS’s Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development study led by Demirchyan on the assessment of nutrition practices of children in schools of Armenia, funded by UNICEF. 

The article presents qualitative findings on barriers to healthy eating, and attitudes, norms, and practices contributing to unhealthy food choices among school-aged children in Armenia. Two primary domains were identified as underlying unhealthy eating practices: suboptimal preferences and restricted opportunities. The study found that while children possessed adequate knowledge about healthier food choices, their decisions on what to eat were often driven by taste and convenience rather than the nutritional value of the food. Negative attitudes towards breakfast and peer influences further reinforced these unhealthy choices. In addition to suboptimal preferences, restricted opportunities — such as limited access to healthy food in school cafeterias, time constraints, and financial barriers — were found to significantly impact children’s dietary behaviors. School cafeterias, particularly in rural areas, often lacked diverse and nutritious food options, which exacerbated the issue.

Based on the findings, recommendations were made to expand the coverage of schools with canteens offering nutritious and affordable food choices for children, and extending school break times to encourage healthy eating. Targeted social advertising and the involvement of media influencers could also help promote positive eating behaviors among children. Given the high rates of stunting and obesity among school-aged children in Armenia, the research team suggested conducting further quantitative studies to evaluate children’s nutrient and calorie intake. 

The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.