Predictors of Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Middle-aged Men Based on Social Cognitive Theory: A...

To identify the predictors of dietary behaviors and health outcomes in middle-aged men using social cognitive theory (SCT) as a framework.

This cross-sectional study analyzed data on 244 middle-aged men in South Korea between November 2022 and January 2023. The data were collected using structured online questionnaires that assessed self-efficacy, outcome expectations, self-regulation, social support, dietary behaviors, body mass index (BMI), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance with Scheffe's post-hoc test, and path analysis.

The findings indicate that self-efficacy and negative outcome expectations significantly influence dietary behaviors, which in turn affect BMI and HRQoL. Moreover, autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and social support were identified as direct determinants of HRQoL. The model accounted for 24% of the variance in dietary behaviors and 38% in HRQoL.

To improve dietary behaviors and health outcomes in middle-aged men, it is imperative to build self-efficacy and address perceived barriers to healthy eating. Additionally, comprehensive and tailored interventions that foster self-regulation and social support can improve the HRQoL of middle-aged men.