Mosharafeh Chaleshgar- Kordasiabi - Department of Public Health, School of Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Atena Ramezani - Department of Basic Sciences and Nutrition, Health Science Research Center, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Seyed Abolhasan Naghibi - Department of Public Health, School of Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Jamshid Yazdani Cherati - Department of Biostatistics, Health Science Research Center, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Maryam Khazai-Pool - Department of Public Health, School of Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Masoumeh Abbasi-Shavazi - Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

Background: Overweight and obesity are the most serious public health challenges of developed and developing countries. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased worldwide. This study aims to identify the behavioral determinants of overweight and obesity among adolescents. Methods: This is a qualitative study with directed approach to content analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews. A total of ۲۷ obese and overweight students (۱۱girls, ۱۶ boys) were recruited in this study based on the PRECEDE model (predisposing factor). The participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method to reach the maximum variation sampling. This sampling took over ۶ months in ۲۰۱۸ at the Ghaemshahr middle school. Content analysis approach (directed) was used to analyze the interview. Results: Five main themes and ۲۰ sub-themes of behavioral determinant were emerged from the interview. The main themes included perceived benefit, perceived threaten, self-efficacy, cues to action, and locus of control. The subthemes included self-empowerment, motivation and diligence role, enough information and parent pressure, long term benefits, physical health, doing favorite sports, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, and internal and external locus of control. Conclusion: Self-efficacy and perceived benefit are the most significant determinants of preventive behavior in obese and overweight students; therefore, considering  these variables in students can be applied in designing an interventional program that affect obesity preventive behaviors, increase parents’ awareness and school authorities.

Overweight, Obese, Adolescents, PRECEDE model, Qualitative research