Physically active students' intentions and self-efficacy towards healthy eating.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Nutrition Science
• Health Psychology

Background:

• The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) posits that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence behavioral intentions.
• Understanding factors influencing healthy eating intentions and self-efficacy is crucial for public health interventions.
• Physically active individuals may exhibit different health-related behaviors compared to less active populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the determinants of healthy eating intentions and self-efficacy in physically active university students.
• To examine the role of attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and role identity in predicting healthy eating intentions.
• To explore the factors contributing to self-efficacy for healthy eating.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 96 physically active university students.
• Utilized the Questionnaire for the Planned Behavior Model to assess attitudes, intentions, perceived behavioral control, attitude strength, and role identity.
• Employed the Health Behavior Questionnaire to measure self-efficacy expectations for healthy eating.

Main Results:

• Attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and role identity were significant predictors of healthy eating intentions.
• Self-efficacy for healthy eating was influenced by attitudes, intention, perceived behavioral control, and attitude strength.
• Systematic physical activity correlated with healthier dietary patterns, and self-efficacy was linked to behavior maintenance.

Conclusions:

• Attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and role identity are key drivers of healthy eating intentions among physically active students.
• Self-efficacy in healthy eating is shaped by cognitive and affective factors related to the behavior.
• Promoting physical activity may foster healthier eating habits, with self-efficacy playing a vital role in sustained behavior change.