Children's Preferences and Parental Agency in Food Purchases

An Interpretivist Study of the Urban Poor in Flat Lembah Subang, Malaysia

Bibliographic Data

ID22327670
AuthorsNorzayana Yusof (0000-0002-1538-097X, HELP University), Huey Min Liew (HELP University)
Year2026
Volume12
Issue1
Pages159
Publication date2026-05-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Malaysian Journal of Qualitative Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1823-8521 • E-ISSN: 3009-0237
PublisherQualitative Research Association of Malaysia (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.61211/mjqr120111
OpenAlexW7165750014
LanguageEN
References cited39

Child malnutrition today encompasses more than mere hunger. It covers physiological imbalances resulting from inappropriate nutrient intake, including both undernutrition and overweight. In 2024, the World Health Organisation reported that approximately half of deaths among children under the age of five are linked to undernutrition, which mostly occur in low- and middle-income countries. Presently, the concern extends to low-income urban families as Malaysian urban poor children face a double burden of malnutrition and overweight. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to explore how children’s food preferences and parental agency influence household food purchasing decisions among families in Flat Lembah Subang, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Guided by a constructivist-interpretivist approach, the study conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 29 parents and guardians. Data was analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti version 25. Findings show that parents often struggle to balance their desire to provide healthy meals with financial limitations. Concerns about children’s selective eating habits are also apparent. Parental agency is found to be relational and guided by moral responsibility. Parents make decisions not only based on cost or convenience but also out of love, care, and a sense of duty. Despite limited resources, parents show creativity and effort in encouraging healthier eating. They use strategies such as mixing vegetables into familiar dishes, preparing homemade alternatives to fast food, and setting household rules to reduce food waste and promote healthier habits. By highlighting these household-level dynamics, this study provides valuable insight into how food practices contribute to childhood malnutrition in urban poor settings. The study offers practical insights for developing family-centred and culturally appropriate interventions to support healthier eating in low-income communities. The study also outlines its limitations and suggestions for future research endeavours to further strengthen understanding and guide more effective public health actions in similar communities

Focus group · Food security · Malnutrition · Purchasing · Qualitative research · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

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