Factors affecting vegetable preference in adolescents: stages of change and social cognitive theory

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESDespite the importance of consuming sufficient amounts of vegetables, daily vegetable intake among adolescents in Korea is lower than the current dietary recommendation. The objective of this study was to examine determinants affecting vegetable preference in order to suggest a stage-tailored education strategy that can promote vegetable consumption in adolescents.SUBJECTS/METHODSAdolescents (n = 400, aged 16-17 years) from two high schools participated in a cross-sectional study. Survey variables were vegetable preference, the social cognitive theory (SCT) and stages of change (SOC) constructs. Based on vegetable preference, subjects were classified into two groups: a low-preference group (LPG) and a high-preference group (HPG). SOC was subdivided into pre-action and action/maintenance stages. To compare SCT components and SOC related to vegetable preference, chi-squared and t-tests, along with stepwise multiple-regression analysis, were applied.RESULTSIn the LPG, a similar number of subjects were classified into each stage. Significant differences in self-efficacy, affective attitudes, and vegetable accessibility at home and school were detected among the stages. Subjects in the HPG were mainly at the maintenance stage (81%), and there were significant differences among the stages regarding self-efficacy, affective attitudes, and parenting practice. In the predictions of vegetable preference, self-efficacy and parenting practice had a significant effect in the “pre-action” stage. In the action/maintenance stage, outcome expectation, affective attitudes, and vegetable accessibility at school had significant predictive value. In predicting the vegetable preference for all subjects, 42.8% of the predictive variance was accounted for by affective attitudes, self-efficacy, and vegetable accessibility at school.CONCLUSIONThe study revealed that different determinants affect adolescent vegetable preference in each stage. Self-efficacy and affective attitudes are important determinants affecting vegetable preference. Additionally, school-based nutrition intervention that focuses on enhancing affective attitudes, self-efficacy, and vegetable exposure may constitute an effective education strategy for promoting vegetable consumption among adolescents.

Diet-Related Attitudes, Beliefs, and Well-Being in Adolescents with a Vegetarian Lifestyle

“…Conversely, practical strategies for promoting a healthy diet could be implemented in educational programs. A study [60] explored factors affecting the preference for vegetables among high school students. Regardless of the adolescents' weight status (BMI), the personal factors determinant for increasing vegetable intake resulted in positive attitudes towards plantbased foods and self-efficacy, that is, adolescents' confidence to make their own choices and achieve personal goals.…”

Pengembangan Media Permainan TESABEN (Tebak Salah Benar) Sebagai Media Promosi Kesehatan Peningkatan Kesadaran Aktivitas Fisik

“…Permainan edukasi menjadi alternatif bentuk edukasi yang diberikan pada anakanak maupun remaja dengan tujuan agar lebih mudah dalam peningkatan minat dan informasi yang akan diberikan. Permainan edukasi ini merupakan media visual yang memiliki kelebihan dibandingkan media visual yang lainnya karena melibatkan pemain secara langsung dalam menentukan hasil akhir dari game yang dimainkan (Woo & Lee, 2017) (Wijayanti et al, 2021). Permainan edukasi dikemas untuk merangsang daya pikir termasuk meningkatkan konsentrasi dan memecahkan masalah (Zulfan & Baihaqi, 2018).…”

Effect of a pediatric fruit and vegetable prescription program on child dietary patterns, food security, and weight status: a study protocol

“…The current study, in design and approach, is grounded in the theoretical framework of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). SCT explains behavior using a three-stage, dynamic model linking personal factors, environmental factors, and behavior [30,31]. This study's SCT framework involves collaborations with partnering physicians and local agricultural leaders to support environmental change and social learning.…”