biostudies-literatureRyan STNHMRCdaaf169https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12530097biostudies-literatureUnknown40(5)The Pacific Islands have high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are preventable by ensuring healthy levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in childhood. This study explored barriers and facilitators to children meeting PA and sedentary behaviour guidelines through the lens of stakeholders involved in the care and education of children in four Pacific Islands. Qualitative interviews were conducted English or French in Fiji (n = 10), French Polynesia (n = 6), New Caledonia (n = 7), and Wallis and Futuna (n = 4) between 2019 and 2022. French recordings were transcribed using HappyScribe.com and translated. Deductive and inductive qualitative analysis was conducted and presented based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory and classified into the five categoriesHealth promotion international'They build roads, not cycle paths': a qualitative study of Pacific children's physical activity barriers.PMC12530097GNT 1176858Waqa GOkely ADBissoonauth-Bedford AStanley RMRandle MRyan STfalse'They build roads, not cycle paths': a qualitative study of Pacific children's physical activity barriers.The Pacific Islands have high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are preventable by ensuring healthy levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in childhood. This study explored barriers and facilitators to children meeting PA and sedentary behaviour guidelines through the lens of stakeholders involved in the care and education of children in four Pacific Islands. Qualitative interviews were conducted English or French in Fiji (n = 10), French Polynesia (n = 6), New Caledonia (n = 7), and Wallis and Futuna (n = 4) between 2019 and 2022. French recordings were transcribed using HappyScribe.com and translated. Deductive and inductive qualitative analysis was conducted and presented based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory and classified into the five categories2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-05-09T03:23:53.561Z2026-05-09T03:12:23.305ZS-EPMC125300974110007810.1093/heapro/daaf169