Relevance of Social and Behaviour Change Communication in Influencing Nutritional Food Choices Among Youth: A Review

This review analyses the impact of social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) on the nutritional choices of youth. It aims to understand how their eating habits are influenced by behavioural, social and environmental factors. By incorporating SBCC theories, this research wants to come up with effective strategies to promote healthier nutritional behaviours, addressing issues like obesity and malnutrition. The purpose of this article is to offer insights that might influence the development of policies and interventions intended to promote healthier eating habits, along with improving the overall health and well-being of youth. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the review synthesises data from a variety of disciplines, including communication studies, psychology and nutrition. It analyses various SBCC theories and their implementation to promote healthy food choices among youth. The study examines the major factors that influence dietary choices, including the effects of the media, financial constraints and cultural perspectives. The review highlights individual views, social norms, media and behaviour modelling, aiming to highlight the connection between youth’s food choices, their environment and health. It promotes SBCC approaches that take structural constraints and self-efficacy into account in order to encourage healthy eating. The review emphasises the need for tailored intervention by addressing challenges in implementing SBCC strategies, such as cultural resistance, a lack of nudges, difficulties with stage progression and accessibility challenges. SBCC’s communication strategies are capable of shaping youth dietary choices by addressing social, behavioural and environmental factors. This can culminate in successful interventions along with policies for better food choices and wellness in general. This review discusses youth food choices and SBCC’s role in promoting nutritious food choices, offering insights for developing effective communication strategies to address nutrition-related ailments among youth.