Facilitators and barriers affecting healthy lifestyle behaviors among suburban Javanese women living in Indonesia: a qualitative study

A healthy lifestyle is essential for preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The Javanese are the largest ethnic group in Indonesia and are highly at risk of contracting NCDs. Women have a greater risk of NCDs than men. Efforts to prevent and control NCDs are significant for adult women. Therefore, the perceptions of adult Javanese women should be explored to design health promotion programs aimed at engendering healthy lifestyles and preventing also controlling NCDs, specifically among suburban Javanese women. A qualitative study was conducted on 20 participants using the cognitive, opportunity, motivation–behavior (COM–B) theoretical framework to identify facilitators and barriers to a healthy lifestyle. This included 12 in-depth interviews and one focus-group discussion (FGD) with eight participants comprising community members, health cadres, health workers, and community leaders. This study aimed to identify factors that support and inhibit healthy lifestyles among adult Javanese women in suburban areas. Within the COM–B framework, women’s capabilities to adopt a healthy lifestyle were limited by physical constraints and psychological barriers, including boredom and medication-related misconceptions. Their opportunities were shaped by supportive elements such as digital exercise resources and screenings for NCD risk factors during social activities. Still, they were hindered by domestic workload, low community participation, and cultural norms such as “ewuh pakewuh.” Women’s motivations, influenced by perceived health benefits but weakened by fear of screenings and reliance on herbal remedies, finally shaped their engagement in healthy behaviors. The study highlights both supporting and inhibiting factors that impact healthy lifestyles among adult Javanese women living in suburban areas. Strengthening community engagement and addressing cultural and motivational barriers are essential to fostering sustained adoption of a healthy lifestyle among Javanese adult women.