Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Paying attention to improving the nutritional status of adolescents can be one of the
most effective fundamental measures for preventing chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular
diseases in later life. Identifying the predicting elements in different behaviors is one of the most
effective ways that can be considered in prevention programs in different communities, particularly
in developing countries. The purpose of was to determine the perceived efficacy, benefits and
barriers related to a healthy nutrition pattern and the relation of these variables with a healthy diet in
male and female high school students in Izeh city. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional
descriptive and analytic study conducted throughout high schools in Izeh City, the subjects were
500 students (300 girls and 200 boys) from the 1390-91 school years who were selected through
the multistage random sampling method; the acquired data was then studied and analyzed. The
data for this study was gathered through a multi-sectional questionnaire (that included demographic
characteristics, self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers). The Independent t-test, Spearman’s
Correlation, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Linear Regression were used to interpret and
analyze the data. Results: Data analysis showed that the mean age of male participants was
15.67 ± 0.95 years and females 15.86 ± 1.16 years. The mean score for healthy eating patterns
in male students was 46.83 ± 14.86 and in female students 44.20 ± 14.16 respectively. The mean
score for perceived benefits of healthy eating in girls was significantly higher than that in boys. There
was a direct meaningful relationship between the mean score of benefits and perceived self-efficacy
with the healthy eating behaviors in the two sexes, (P < 0.001). The results of the multiple linear
regression analysis revealed that the most important predictive factors in the students’ healthy
eating behavior are self-efficacy and perceived benefits respectively and that perceived barriers
is not an influencing predictor in healthy eating patterns. Conclusion: The results of this study
showed that many factors influence students’ diet pattern and undeniably the role of these factors
are not alike in the two sexes. The results also showed that perceived self-efficacy and benefits
of healthy nutrition strengthens healthy eating
behavior in students and thus these factors
should be considered by health authorities in
the country in any future programming.
Keywords
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