Siti Adibah Waisulqrnai2025-07-292025-07-292025https://studentrepo.iium.edu.my/handle/123456789/33098Rapid urbanisation in Kedah has led to an increase in eating out, raising concerns about dietary behaviours among families. Despite the health implications, little is known about how Malay parents adhere to healthy eating when eating out. This study aimed to explore Malay parents’ perceptions, practices, and perceived barriers to healthy eating when eating out, mapped under the lens of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). An interpretative qualitative research design was adopted, using purposive sampling to recruit 37 Malay parents (27 females and 10 males) from Sungai Petani, Kedah. Data collection was held between November 2023 and March 2024. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted and the qualitative data analysed thematically. Aligned with SCT, the parents’ narratives highlighted personal, behavioural, and environmental influences on parental perception, practices, and barriers to healthy eating. Personal factors encompassed Malay cultural and social dimensions of food choices, perceived health benefits, and struggling with cravings and social influences. Behavioural factors were reflected in the parents’ nutritional preferences and mindful consumption practices. Environmental factors included sociocultural dynamics, restaurant quality and standards, and the practicality of health guidelines. Many parents demonstrated a positive understanding of healthy eating and actively practised it when eating out. However, parents faced difficulties navigating modern food environments dominated by “viral” and visually appealing foods. These findings highlight the reciprocal interaction of personal, behavioural, and environmental influences on food choices when eating out. This study offers culturally grounded insights for the field of health psychology, informing tailored nutrition education, behavioural interventions, and health promotion strategies. Such efforts can support interventions that consider the psychological, social, and environmental realities of eating out, enabling healthier decision-making among parents in diverse food settings.enOWNED BY STUDENTNutrition -- MalaysiaDiet -- MalaysiaRestaurants -- MalaysiaMaster Theses