Study protocol for Valor Barroso: a mixed-method approach to dietary–physical activity patterns in Barroso, Portugal

Aim: This community-based mixed-methods study aims to evaluate the dietary habits and physical activity patterns of the Barroso population in northern Portugal. Methods: This study was divided into two phases. The quantitative phase will be a cross-sectional study involving 416 participants from different age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and elderly individuals, between April and October 2025. Sociodemographic and clinical, including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and quality of life, will be collected. Physical activity will be assessed wGT3X+ Actigraph accelerometers and validated questionnaires, whereas dietary habits will be evaluated via food frequency questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recalls, and food diaries. In the qualitative phase, ethnographic analysis will be conducted through observations and semi-structured interviews to explore the cultural, social, and environmental factors influencing dietary habits and physical activity in the local population. Participants will be selected through stratified sampling, with data collection scheduled between 2025 and 2026. Discussion: By integrating objective measures of physical activity and diet, such as accelerometers and validated questionnaires, with qualitative data on cultural and traditional practices, this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of lifestyle behaviors in the region and their associations with health. Additionally, the study investigated how geographical, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts influence these dietary and physical activity behaviors. The conclusions drawn will help develop public health interventions to improve health outcomes in rural communities and will contribute to the development of more effective strategies for similar populations.