Abstract
Overweight and obesity have become a significant public health concern in both developing and developed countries. Due to the health implications of weight-reduction behaviors, it is important to explore the factors that predict their occurrence. Therefore, the present study was performed to examine factors affecting the behavioral intention of weight management as well as assess the predictive power of the Health Belief Model (HBM) for body mass index (BMI). This cross-sectional study was conducted among 336 female students recruited from dormitories of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, using quota sampling technique. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire in seven parts (including perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit, perceived barrier, cue to action, self-efficacy in dieting and physical activity, and behavioral intention of weight management), based on the HBM. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to identify the relationship between HBM constructs and behavioral intention of weight management. Linear regression model was performed to test the ability of the HBM to predict students' BMIs. Higher level of perceived threats (sum of perceived susceptibility and severity) (β = 0.41, P<0.001), perceived benefits (β = 0.19, P = 0.009), self-efficacy in exercise (β = 0.17, P = 0.001), and self-efficacy in dieting (β = 0.16, P = 0.025) scales was significantly related to greater behavioral intention of weight management. Moreover, perceived threat mediated the relationships between perceived cue to action, perceived benefits, self-efficacy in exercise, and weight management practices. The fit indices of the SEM model seemed acceptable. The final regression model explained approximately 40% of variance in BMI (P<0.001). Additionally, perceived severity, barrier, and self-efficacy in dietary life were the significant variables to predict students' BMIs. These findings suggest that health education programs based on the HBM needs to be integrated in preventive health programs and health interventions strategies to ensure adherence and well-being of the participants.
Highlights
Overweight and obesity have become epidemic rising trends in both developed and developing countries [1,2,3,4]
Higher level of perceived threats (β = 0.41, P
Perceived threat mediated the relationships between perceived cue to action, perceived benefits, self-efficacy in exercise, and weight management practices
Summary
Overweight and obesity have become epidemic rising trends in both developed and developing countries [1,2,3,4]. The growing trend in the transition from overweight status to obesity often occurs at ages 18–29 years. Obesity is an important concerns of health care professionals, as it is accompanied by numerous physical and psychological problems including coronary heart disease, diabetes, and several cancers [6,7,8]. Several factors contribute to obesity including genetics and behavioral and environmental parameters such as physical activity and dietary behavior [10]. Overweight and obesity have become a significant public health concern in both developing and developed countries. Due to the health implications of weight-reduction behaviors, it is important to explore the factors that predict their occurrence. The present study was performed to examine factors affecting the behavioral intention of weight management as well as assess the predictive power of the Health Belief Model (HBM) for body mass index (BMI).
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