Clustering of diet, physical activity and smoking and a general willingness to change

Abstract

Addressing multiple health behaviours are important in preventing disease and mortality. The present study investigated the clustering of health behaviours, cognitive determinants and stages of change in 2827 adults for the lifestyle factors of physical activity, fruit, vegetable and fat consumption and smoking. The results showed that only 3% of the total population met recommended guidelines for all of the five behaviours. Behaviours were found to be weakly associated. Behaviour-specific cognitions and stages of change for the behaviours clustered more strongly, however. With respect to diet and physical activity, respondents in the preparation stage for one behaviour were likely also to be preparing to change another behaviour. Possible mechanisms for the apparent general willingness to change multiple behaviours are discussed, as well as potential implications for health promotion practice.

Using the temporal self‐regulation theory to examine the influence of environmental cues on maintaining a healthy lifestyle

“…If an individual successfully performs a specific health-promoting behaviour, this experience of success through behavioural prepotency creates an impetus to repeat the behaviour. This may in turn lead to positive changes in other health behaviours (de Vries, Kremers, Smeets & Reubsaet, 2008). Alternatively, a high degree of motivation is required to overcome behavioural prepotency's powerful influence for health-risk behaviours (Hall & Fong, 2007).…”

Transportation Behaviors in Shiraz, Iran

“…People with higher SES were more likely to use seat belts and hookah smokers were less likely to use seat belts. This finding showed that health behavior often coexist; people who didn't pay attention to their health and smoke were more likely to ignore traffic law and regulations (Chiolero et al 2006;Chou 2008;De Vries et al 2008;Keller et al 2008;Poortinga 2007). Research indicates that if compliance with seat belt use approached 100 percent great savings in lives and money could be realized.…”

Increased attendance rate: BMI matters, lifestyles don't. Results from the Dutch SMILE study

“…Respondents with a score of 200 g of vegetables a day, 7 days a week, respectively, eating two pieces of fruit a day, 7 days a week, were categorized as meeting the Dutch norm. 17 Alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption was measured by the Dutch Quantity-Frequency-Variability Questionnaire.…”