P15 Self-Efficacy and Psychosocial Determinants of Obesity Prevention Behaviors in Caucasian Americans

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> The obesity epidemic is a salient health issue affecting Caucasian Americans in the United States. Food consumption patterns, dietary choices, and physical activity behaviors influence weight-related outcomes in individuals. Psychosocial theories provide a foundation in understanding mediators of health behaviors. <h3>Objective</h3> To identify psychosocial determinants of obesity prevention behaviors in Caucasian Americans residing in New Jersey. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> A cross-sectional survey design was used in which a convenience sample of 174 participants (18 to 40 years old) completed a validated online, self-administered questionnaire. Male and female participants were recruited from universities, religious organizations, and cultural institutions, representing a wide range of educational and socioeconomic backgrounds in New Jersey. <h3>Measurable Outcome and Analysis</h3> Nineteen behaviors related to obesity risk reduction were measured along with self-efficacy and psychosocial constructs derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior. Participants indicated their adoption of behaviors over the previous month reflecting food practices, portion size control, consumption of plant-based foods (eg fruits, vegetables, whole grains), and engagement in physical activity. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were conducted for the entire sample. T-tests were applied for individuals categorized as high vs low self-efficacy groups. <h3>Results</h3> The mean age of the study participants (70% female) was 26.4 (SD = 7.0) years with an average body mass index of 24.7 (SD = 4.8). Regression analysis showed that 37.5% of the variance in obesity risk reduction behaviors was accounted solely by self-efficacy. T-tests indicated that there was a higher frequency of adoption of 17 health behaviors within the high self-efficacy group as compared to their low self-efficacy counterparts. Notable mean differences in behavior included eating home-cooked meals (<i>P</i> < .05), limiting portion sizes of food (<i>P</i> < .001), eating fruits and vegetables (<i>P</i> < .001), engaging in physical activity (<i>P</i> < .001), and monitoring body weight (<i>P</i> < .01). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Nutrition professionals who work with young American adults need to assess their self-efficacy in order to engage in health behaviors. In fostering behavioral confidence, executing skill building interventions that address food choice behaviors is critical for obesity prevention.