Utility of Health Belief Model Constructs in Predicting Dietary Behaviors Among Female University Students: A Pilot Investigation

<p>This study examined the relationship between Health Belief Model constructs as they related to dietary behaviors in a sample of university women 18-to-25 years of age (n=182). A cross-sectional, non-experimental design was utilized. Independent sample t-tests compared the mean of body mass indices (BMI) to dietary risk and race. Odds ratios amassed relationships between race and healthy food choices. Nearly one-third (32.4%) of participants were either overweight or obese. Black females had significantly higher BMI than white females; however, dietary risk from less-than-adequate fruit and vegetable consumption and consumption of high-fat foods were not related to race. Focus group participants (n=0) were not concerned about their risks of obesity and its sequelae, or appeared only somewhat concerned. However, all felt obesity-related illnesses were severe. None perceived a direct threat, although several admitted friends and fmaily members might be at-risk, ultimately resulting in a behavior change.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Year dc:date.available

2006

Author dc:creator

• Anderson, Vanessa Emily

Contributors dc:contributor

• Joanne Chopak-Foss
• Laura Gunn
• Padmini Shankar

• ETD
• Health belief model
• Dietary risk behaviors
• Race
• Body mass index
• Body
• Human
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/629

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1629