Using multi theory model (MTM) of health behavior change to explain intention for initiation and sustenance of the consumption of fruits and vegetables among African American men from barbershops in Mississippi

Abstract

Background: African American men have poorer health outcomes compared to their white counterparts despite medical advancements and early detection of diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent the constructs of the multi theory model (MTM) explain the intention for initiation and sustenance of the consumption of fruits and vegetables among African American adult men in Mississippi. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design a valid and reliable paper survey was administered during November and December of 2019. The target population for the study consisted of African American adult men (18 or older) that had not consumed recommended levels of fruits and vegetables within 24 hours of taking the questionnaire. A convenience quota sample of African American men from select barbershops in Jackson, Mississippi, were asked to complete the 40-item questionnaire on preventive health screening behavior (n=134). Results: The mean total number of fruits and vegetables consumed by participants within 24hours of the taking the survey was 1.63 (SD =1.47). The mean intention to initiate consuming 5or more cups of fruits and vegetables per day score was 2.13 (SD=1.17) as measured on a 5-point scale (0-4). Behavioral confidence (β = 0.495, P<0.0001), and changes in physical environment(β = 0.230, P<0.0001) accounted for 40.8% of the variance in predicting the intention to initiate behavioral change regarding the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Practice for change (β = 0.462, P<0.001) and emotional transformation (β = 0.215, P<0.0001) accounted for 37.5% of the variance in the intention to sustain fruits and vegetables consumption behavior. Conclusion: Based on data found in the study, MTM appears to predict the intention to initiate and sustain fruit and vegetable intake of African American men. Further research studies of suitable interventions to target African American men are needed.

Testing the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) to Predict the Use of New Technology for Social Connectedness in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This finding is also supported by other studies on MTM with the availability of fruits and vegetables [36] and healthy nutritional options [35]. The construct also aligns with the diffusion of innovations theory construct involving adopting innovations [36,37]. With technology innovations, various environmental factors such as reducing complexity, increasing compatibility, improving demonstrability, reducing costs, and allowing for modifications by the user may be useful aspects to keep in mind for interventions promoting new technology, especially among those experiencing social isolation [23,38].…”

“…The second construct found to be important in our study for starting the adoption of new technology to improve social connectedness was physical environment changes that entail accessibility and availability of newer technology. This finding is also supported by other studies on MTM with the availability of fruits and vegetables [ 36 ] and healthy nutritional options [ 35 ]. The construct also aligns with the diffusion of innovations theory construct involving adopting innovations [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…Sharma and colleagues, in their study predicting handwashing behavior, found a significant and strongest behavioral confidence construct in the study sample [ 21 ]. Williams and colleagues also found a significant and strongest contribution of behavioral confidence for changes in fruit and vegetable consumption behavior among Black men [ 36 ]. Our findings suggest that behavioral confidence must be developed among the general population to use new technology during the COVID-19 and post-pandemic periods to improve social connectedness and reduce social isolation and loneliness.…”

Using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Explain the Correlates of Mammography Screening among Asian American Women

“…Previous studies have not examined the extent of the role of this construct, as most of the studies have not utilized behavioral theories for studying determinants of mammography screening among Asian American women [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. However, other studies, with other behaviors and other target populations, lend support to this construct of behavioral confidence as playing a significant role in the decision whether to seek mammograms or not [ 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”

“…This model breaks down the complex health behavior change into two components of initiation and maintenance with three explanatory constructs for each of the two components ( Figure 1 ). This model has been used in qualitative [ 35 , 36 ], cross-sectional [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ], and experimental studies [ 41 , 42 , 43 ] with a variety of behaviors in different priority populations but has not been applied to understanding mammography screening behaviors. Therefore, the current study aims to utilize the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change to explain the correlates of mammography screening in a sample of Asian American women between the ages of 45–54 years.…”