Barriers to Adopting Healthy Lifestyle and Health Promotion among Ethnic Minority Bedouin Women in Southern Israel: A Qualitative Study

Background: A healthy lifestyle is a crucial step in disease prevention and management, as well as a significant predictor of health promotion. Yet, despite an increase in chronic morbidity among Bedouin women in southern Israel, little research has been conducted on their health behaviors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle and health promotion among ethnic minority Bedouin women in southern Israel. Methods: This qualitative study was based on data collected through focus groups during June and July 2021. Participants included 44 Bedouin women aged 18–55. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed. Transcriptions were thematically analyzed and coded using the ecological model. Results: We found multiple barriers at various levels that prevent Bedouin women from adopting a healthy lifestyle and health promotion. At the individual level, such factors included the impact of financial limitations on healthful nutrition, as well as a lack of awareness or knowledge regarding healthy lifestyle and health promotion. At the organizational level, barriers include a lack of clinics, accessibility, and availability of health services and cultural incompatibility of the health services. At the community level, impediments to a healthy lifestyle include inaccessibility to sports facilities and suppression of physical activity. At the public policy level, participants, especially those living in unrecognized villages, described difficult living conditions related to environmental and social neglect as affecting their health status and ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Conclusion: Study findings emphasize the need for policymaking and a systemic approach to address health disparities and ensure equal health promotion for the Bedouin population.