Needs and interests regarding the lifestyle habits of students in a Canadian university.

Objective: In this study, we investigate university students to learn about their barriers to improving and/or maintaining a healthy lifestyle and their needs and interests regarding the development of a tailored intervention to promote physical activity and a healthy diet.

Participants: The qualitative research included three focus groups consisting of 22 university students. The interview grid was developed around the variables of the ecological Conceptual Framework of the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services. Data were analyzed using NVivo software. Time constraints due to a heavy workload, high costs and low motivation were the reasons students failed to participate in physical activity and/or adopt a healthy diet. Furthermore, they perceived that on-campus food and physical activity are more expensive and the quality of food is poorer. Students are nevertheless interested in the development of a tailored intervention to promote physical activity and a healthy diet.