Determinants of Fast Food Consumption among Iranian High School Students Based on Planned Behavior Theory

Abstract

Objective. This study was conducted to identify some factors (beliefs and norms) which are related to fast food consumption among high school students in Isfahan, Iran. We used the framework of the theory planned behavior (TPB) to predict this behavior. Subjects & Methods. Cross-sectional data were available from high school students (n = 521) who were recruited by cluster randomized sampling. All of the students completed a questionnaire assessing variables of standard TPB model including attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control (PBC), and the additional variables past behavior, actual behavior control (ABC). Results. The TPB variables explained 25.7% of the variance in intentions with positive attitude as the strongest (β = 0.31, P < 0.001) and subjective norms as the weakest (β = 0.29, P < 0.001) determinant. Concurrently, intentions accounted for 6% of the variance for fast food consumption. Past behavior and ABC accounted for an additional amount of 20.4% of the variance in fast food consumption. Conclusion. Overall, the present study suggests that the TPB model is useful in predicting related beliefs and norms to the fast food consumption among adolescents. Subjective norms in TPB model and past behavior in TPB model with additional variables (past behavior and actual behavior control) were the most powerful predictors of fast food consumption. Therefore, TPB model may be a useful framework for planning intervention programs to reduce fast food consumption by students.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis: The Theory of Planned Behavior's application to understand and predict nutrition-related behaviors in youth

“…Sugary snack and drink consumption (Åstrøm, 2004;Åstrøm & Okullo, 2004; and sugary beverage/soft drink intake Tak et al, 2011) accounted for nine publications. Making healthy breakfast choices was an outcome in four studies Conner et al, 2011;Hewitt & Stephens, 2007) and two trials assessed fast food consumption Sharifirad et al, 2013). Three studies measured low calorie versus high calorie snack consumption or snacking less de Bruijn et al, 2005) and four evaluated fruit or vegetable intake Lien et al, 2002;.…”

“…The remaining studies reported using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) de Bruijn et al, 2005;de Bruijn et al, 2007;Lien et al, 2002;Tak et al, 2011;. In 13 studies it was unclear or not specified which type of which dietary evaluation tool was administered; (Åstrøm, 2004;Åstrøm & Okullo, 2004;Bazillier et al, 2011;Fila & Smith, 2006;Hewitt & Stephens, 2007;Mullan et al, 2013;Seo et al, 2011;Sharifirad et al, 2013) however, it can be inferred that a food screener or FFQ was used in six of these (Hewitt & Stephens, 2007;Mullan et al, 2013;Sharifirad et al, 2013). Studies evaluating the intention of a specified nutrition behavior (e.g.…”

“…Eight studies found PBC to be the strongest predictor of intention Grønhøj et al, 2013;Mullan et al, 2013;Seo et al, 2011;Sharifirad et al, 2013) and four SNs Conner et al, 2011;Hewitt & Stephens, 2007;Lien et al, 2002). Six articles Shahanjarini et al, 2013; were not included in this analysis due to insufficient information provided or results were reported for specific subsamples addressed in other sections of this review.…”

“…Of the 15 publications measuring additional constructs along with the original TPB items, PBC Mullan et al, 2013; and attitude (Åstrøm, 2004;de Bruijn et al, 2005;de Bruijn et al, 2007) remained the most significant predictors of intention despite the other variables being included. Three studies Hewitt & Stephens, 2007;Sharifirad et al, 2013) identified SNs as being the most predictive of intention in extended models, and habit strength and self-efficacy (Fila & Smith, 2006) were the most predictive of intention in two studies, even when the original TPB constructs were included.…”

“…When examining models of the TPB alone, intention emerged as the most significant predictor of behavior in 18 studies (Åstrøm, 2004;Åstrøm & Okullo, 2004;Backman et al, 2002;Bazillier et al, 2011;Berg et al, 2000;Conner et al, 2011;de Bruijn et al, 2005;de Bruijn et al, 2007;Hewitt & Stephens, 2007;Mullan et al, 2013;Seo et al, 2011;Sharifirad et al, 2013; and PBC was the strongest predictor in two Lien et al, 2002). Six records were excluded from this analysis due to information not being available or not applicable or measures were specific for a subsample discussed elsewhere Grønhøj et al, 2013;.…”