There are disparities in health outcomes between youth from higher and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and girls are especially vulnerable to changes in health‐related behaviours as they develop. Therefore, this study explored how girls from disadvantaged communities in Dublin, Ireland, make sense of ‘being healthy.’ A phenomenological qualitative design was implemented. Three focus groups were conducted (n = 22, 10–12 years) and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Food and physical appearance featured prominently within the girls’ definitions of health. Girls and their families from low‐SES backgrounds may experience more difficulties with time scarcity as well as environmental barriers to a healthy lifestyle.

1 March, 2023

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