Investigation of factors related to healthy eating behavior based on the developed theory of planned behavior in adolescents

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a complicated and sensitive period, and proper nutrition in this period of life can influence the quality and quantity of growth and maturity. The aim of the present study is to determine the factors associated with healthy eating behavior based on the developed theory of planned behavior in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive-correlational study in which 400 female students of the first grade of high school in Bandar Anzali participated. Among the junior high schools in this city, two schools were randomly selected and sampling was done using census method. Data collection tool was Healthy Eating Behavior questionnaire based on Theory of Planned Behavior, which includes three sections of demographic information, constructs of Theory of Planned Behavior, including attitude toward behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention, and food behavior, and food habits questionnaire. The scale was evaluated and confirmed by content validity ratio, content validity index, and alpha coefficient. P value was considered significant at less than 5%. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software 24, through linear regression and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: As shown by linear regression analysis, the developed theory of planned behavior is able to predict 26% of the variance of healthy eating behavior, and this predictive power is related to the constructs of behavioral intention, attitude, and habits. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, adding the variable of habits to the theory of planned behavior showed that this variable is very effective in predicting healthy eating behavior in adolescents, just like the constructs of behavioral intention and attitude. Therefore, it is suggested to carry out educational interventions based on the developed theory of planned behavior with the focus of the mentioned structures.