LAUSR

Objectives To explore the socioenvironmental factors affecting physical activity and nutritional behaviour in middle-aged individuals at risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Design A qualitative approach using directed content analysis was employed. The data were collected through semistructured interviews. 20 participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation. The interviews continued until data saturation. Guba and Lincoln’s criteria were used to evaluate research transferability. The data management was done in MAXQDA V.20. Participants 20 middle-aged participants at risk of CAD, recruited through purposive sampling with maximum variation from healthcare centres in Bandar Abbas city, Iran. Results The data analysis yielded four main categories: (1) observational learning (subcategories: social media, dramatic performance, peer learning), (2) normative beliefs (subcategories: cultural norms, social acceptability), (3) social support (subcategories: emotional support, instrumental support, informational support) and (4) barriers and opportunities (subcategories: personal, environmental). Conclusions Findings suggest that promoting physical activity and improving nutritional behaviour in middle-aged individuals at risk of CAD can be achieved through observational learning via social media and peers, addressing and improving cultural norms, developing emotional, instrumental and informational support and identifying and removing personal and environmental barriers.