Factors related to reduction in the consumption of fast food: application of the theory-based approaches

BACKGROUND: The Trans-Theoretical model (TTM) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) may be promising models for understanding and predicting reduction in the consumption of fast food. The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of the Trans-Theoretical model (TTM) and the additional predictive role of the subjective norms and perceived behavioural control in predicting reduction consumption of fast food in obese Iranian adolescent girls. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A cross sectional study design was conducted among twelve randomly selected schools in Sabzevar, Iran from 2015 to 2017. Four hundred eighty five randomly selected students consented to participate in the study. Hierarchical regression models used to predict the role of important variables that can influence the reduction in the consumption of fast food among students. using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: Variables Perceived behavioural control (r=0.58, P<0.001), Subjective norms (r=0.51, P<0.001), self-efficacy (r=0.49, P<0.001), decisional balance (pros) (r=0.29, P<0.001), decisional balance (cons) (r=0.25, P<0.001), stage of change (r=0.38, P<0.001), were significantly and positively correlated while experiential processes of change (r=0.08, P=0.135) and behavioural processes of change (r=0.09, P=0.145), were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that the TTM (except the experiential and behavioural processes of change) focusing on the perceived behavioural control and subjective norms are useful models for reduction in the consumption of fast food.