Question guide
According to recommended focus group methodology, a semi-structured question guide (see Table was developed by the research team, aiming to identify factors influencing university students’ health and weight related behaviours (including eating (and drinking) behaviour, physical activity and sedentary behaviour). As mentioned before, this paper will only focus on determinants of students’ eating behaviour. After intensive collaboration with experts with ample focus group experience, the questions were carefully developed using appropriate literature. When development was completed, the question guide was tested within and revised by the research team as well as pilot-tested in a group of ten university students. Because no major changes had to be made, ‘pilot’ discussion results were included in later analysis. The question guide consisted of opening and introductory questions which allowed participants to get acquainted and feel connected, and to start the discussion of the topic. Transition and key questions were used to, respectively, guide the group towards the main part of the discussion and to focus on the purpose of this study, i.e. identifying factors influencing students’ eating behaviour. For obvious reasons, the greatest share of the group discussions focused on the key questions. Finally, students were asked to share ideas concerning health promotion as well as intervention strategies to counter unhealthy eating behaviours in university students. During the focus group discussions the moderator followed the question guide but asked side questions to obtain more in-depth information about the topics, and showed enough flexibility to allow open discussions between students.