International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-7802912018011318651865ENSocial Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences AND Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, TehranSocial Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, TehranSocial Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, TehranDepartment of Adolescents, Youth, and School Health, Bureau of Population, Family, and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran And Department of Pediatrics, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, AhvazDeputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, TehranDepartment of Adolescents, Youth, and School Health, Bureau of Population, Family, and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, TehranNon‑communicable Diseases Research Center, EMRI, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran And Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran20180113<p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Background</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">Factors affecting lifestyle become one of the most priorities of the research feld, especially in adolescents and youth. Using a qualitative approach, this study aimed to understand what factors are affecting young people’s healthy lifestyle. </span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Methods</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">Using the conventional content analysis, and used the semi‑structured in‑depth interviews, we conducted a qualitative study to elicit the youth opinion considering their lifestyle affecting factors. Initially, purposeful sampling method was considered for data collection. Participants were selected from volunteered youths 18–30 years whom were selected from the Tehran city. Inclusion criteria for the participants were; (a) willingness to participate in the study, and (b) ability to express experiences. </span></p><p><strong></strong><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Results</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">According to fndings, although the majority of participants agreed on the important role of lifestyle related behaviors in their healthy life, the lack of essential motivation and the pressure of educational assignments<br />remove it from their daily program priorities. The most important barrier to observing the healthy lifestyle was expressed as; the acceptance of the concept by the individual and the social and economic potential of the individual. It was also suggested that practical interventions should focus<br />on improving more participator engagement of all of the related stakeholders. </span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Conclusions</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">We proposed the participatory strategies for youth healthy lifestyle promotion. Through which based on a specifc needs the assessment of different target groups, designing, development, and implementation of health programs led to more effective interventions.<br /></span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0" style="color: #00652e;"><strong>Keywords</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle3">Iran, lifestyle, qualitative study, youth</span> </p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/1865http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/1865/2153