Behavioral Control Research Articles

Associations between personality traits and different types of mobile phone use while driving: A cross-sectional study

This study investigated the interplay between personality traits and mobile phone use while driving (MPUWD) among 392 drivers in Zahedan. The study revealed that individuals with higher levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness were less likely to MPUWD. For each unit increase in agreeableness or conscientiousness, there was an 8 % decrease in the odds of MPUWD, along with decreases in various phone-related activities. Conversely, individuals with higher levels of neuroticism were more likely to engage in MPUWD, with increased odds for various activities. Open-minded individuals tended to avoid MPUWD, showing decreases in odds for certain activities with each unit increase. Additionally, higher extraversion scores were associated with decreased odds of taking pictures while driving. Notably, the study highlighted the positive association between agreeableness and hands-free MPUWD. Additionally, the study demonstrated that personality traits molded TBP constructs and moral norms. The multiple regression model revealed that agreeableness exhibited significant relationships with behavior intention, while conscientiousness was linked to attitude, perceived behavior control, and subjective norms. Furthermore, moral norms demonstrated significant associations with both agreeableness and conscientiousness. However, the study's reliance on self-reported measures may introduce biases, highlighting the importance of incorporating objective measures and observational data in future research to enhance validity.

Academic Intrapreneurs: Exploring the Antecedents of Academic Intrapreneurial Intention

It is widely accepted that intrapreneurial behavior is imperative for any type of organization to maintain sustainability in terms of growth and performance. In this context, it is also important to investigate the factors that play a role in promoting intrapreneurship within dynamic industries, such as the higher education industry. For this purpose, this study aimed to explore the antecedents of intrapreneurial intention in academic staff to provide theoretical as well as practical contributions for universities. We used a survey method to collect data with a sample consisting of 236 academic staff from universities in Northern Cyprus, and tested hypotheses through three different structural models by using structural equation modeling (SEM). Following a deductive approach to establish constructs in the models, we treated academic intrapreneurial intention as the dependent variable, and self-leadership, self-efficacy, and psychological capital as the independent variables. In addition, attitudes toward intrapreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were individually tested as mediating variables. The results of this study indicate that self-leadership, self-efficacy, and psychological capital have direct and indirect effects on academic intrapreneurial intention, and attitudes toward intrapreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control play a mediating role between these antecedents and academic intrapreneurial intention.

Steps into a Small World: First glimpses on everyday moment‐to‐moment decision making in an ecologically meaningful multi‐choice system for assessing animal preferences

AbstractThe behaviour shown by an animal at any one time is the consolidated output of its behavioural control mechanism. Moreover, what animals “want” is viewed as (the most) important component for individual welfare. Accordingly, studying the motivation of animals helps understanding basic mechanisms and welfare related needs. However, studying wants of animals is notoriously difficult and many previous studies on the preferences of animals have been restricted in the sense that only two choice options were presented in an artificial test environment. Here, an extended approach, the “Small World” is presented, in which the choices of animals between eight ecologically relevant resources can be observed in a long‐term test to reach conclusions with respect to everyday moment‐to‐moment decisions. In this sense, the system offers a quasi‐natural environment. The approach was tested in three experiments with observations of individual female rats, small groups of female rats (Long Evans, Rattus norvegicus) and small groups of female chickens (Lohmann Brown, Gallus gallus domesticus). The animals oriented themselves quickly in the system and it was possible to collect multifaceted data on the use of the resources. These data included the faecal and urinary markings in the Small World cages, the daily frequency and duration of visits to these cages, the sequential analyses of the choices for and decisions among the resources, and the synchrony of the animals in the groups. Given the richness of these data and the lack of a stress response in the tested animals, the use of the Small World approach seems to be highly promising as an extension to previously used procedures. To further improve the approach and more directly reflect the subjective value of the different resources from the animals' point of view, the distances between the resources in a quasi‐natural landscape shall be manipulated in future studies.

Knowledge sharing and NPD performance for UK cross – border M&A firms: the moderating role of behavior and outcome controls

Purpose This paper aims to explore how the effect of knowledge sharing through mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on new product development (NPD) performance is contingent upon two different types of control mechanisms: behavior control and outcome control. Design/methodology/approach Leveraging the theory from transaction cost economics, this study provides answers regarding the roles of behavior and outcome controls. The hypotheses were tested empirically across a sample of 143 UK cross-border M&A firms. Findings The results provide the increasing call for an integrative perspective and theory in the M&A literature in that knowledge sharing through M&As is deemed decisive for NPD performance, and while both control mechanisms are effective, behavior control is more effective in enhancing NPD performance than outcome control. Originality/value The relevant M&A studies lack insights into the use of control mechanisms as a way to monitor the target firm’s behavior and performance and reduce the risk of its opportunistic behavior. Appreciating the need for M&A literature that elaborates control strategy and structure, this study incorporates behavior control and outcome control into M&A mechanisms.

Factors predicting self-care behavior of cardiovascular patients during the COVID-19 epidemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 virus has had wide-ranging effects on all healthcare systems and a direct impact on all areas of human life in all countries around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive actions to reduce the prevalence and severity of the complications associated with this disease. The purpose of this study was to explain the dimensions of adopting general self-care behaviors (mask-wearing, social distancing, hand hygiene, and home quarantine) for preventing COVID-19 based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in cardiovascular patients.MethodsThis was a descriptive-analytical study conducted with the participation of 420 patients referring to health and treatment centers of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, in 2022. Sampling was done using a non-random (convenience) method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire containing items addressing demographic characteristics, questions related to the TPB, and questions dealing with the adoption of everyday self-care behaviors against contracting COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods (prevalence, mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression) in SPSS version 25.ResultsThe results of this study showed that the rate of adoption of self-care behaviors against COVID-19 among cardiovascular patients was moderate. The results also showed that among the constructs of the TPB, Perceived behavioral control, Subjective norms, and Perceived behavioral intention were the most important predictors of adopting self-care behaviors among cardiovascular patients with a change variance of 46%.ConclusionsThe results of the present study have implications for health and treatment policy makers as well as planners of educational and behavioral interventions aimed at promoting the adoption of self-care behaviors against COVID-19. In this respect, managing and institutionalizing desirable behaviors among cardiovascular patients could be beneficial from economic, social, and health-related aspects.

Breaking the plastic habit: Drivers of single-use plastic reduction among Thai university students.

This study investigated the decision-making dynamics for pro-environmental behavior among Thai university students, focusing on reducing the consumption of single-use plastics (SUP). By adopting a dynamic approach to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research examined the influence of psychosocial factors, including attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, on SUP reduction intention at different phases of behavior change. Using structural equation modelling, we analyzed quantitative data (n = 317) from the selected universities. The results revealed that attitudes predicted behavioral intentions only among individuals in the contemplation phase of reducing SUP. Attitudes had a small but limited influence on the behavioral intentions of students who had not yet acted. Perceived behavioral control, on the other hand, significantly impacted behavioral intentions across all phases of behavior change, highlighting its importance in SUP reduction. The study also confirmed subjective norms' positive influence on students' behavioral intentions in the pre-contemplation phase. Practical implications suggested segmenting residents based on their behavior change phase so that public policymakers can allocate resources more efficiently and effectively by tailoring campaigns to specific behavior change phases, ultimately promoting sustainable behavior among university students.

Research on Low Carbon Consumption Intention Survey and Incentive Mechanism under the Dual Carbon Goal

In order to explore residents' low carbon consumption intention, this paper constructs a model of the influencing factors of low carbon consumption willingness through multiple linear regression with the help of planning behavior theory, and studies the incentive mechanism of carbon credits according to the model results. The results show that low carbon consumption behavior attitude, subjective norm and perceptual behavior control all have a positive impact on low carbon consumption intention, and the three independent variables can explain 77.1% of the changes in the dependent variable, among which perceptual behavior control has the greatest impact. Based on the results of the model, this paper briefly studies the incentive mechanism of carbon credits, and finally puts forward some reasonable suggestions for low carbon consumption based on the actual situation, so as to actively respond to and promote low carbon consumption actions.

The factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on theory of planned behavior in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Southern Iran

BackgroundGiven the destructive nature of addiction and its relapse after quitting, the present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021–2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software through descriptive statistical methods, linear regression, and binary logistic regression.Results190 people (47.50%) were aged 31–40 years, 265 people (66.25%) were married, 224 people (56%) lived with their spouses, and 192 people (48 percent) had their first use at the age of 16–20. The substance respondents used were methamphetamine (59.5%), heroin (53%), opium (48%), and alcohol (40%). 138 people (34.5%) had their first place of consumption at friends’ houses (Tables 1 and 2).342 people (85.5%) had a history of relapse, and 172 people (50.29%) had 1–5 relapses. Marital status, occupation, and income were among the demographic risk factors, and addicted friends and close relatives were among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse among people with a history of relapse. Personal desire and the insistence of friends were also among the individual and interpersonal factors of drug use among participants. The regression results showed that the constructs of awareness, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention were predictors of drug relapse among addicts (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe current study’s findings indicate that among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse in individuals with a history of relapse are addicted friends and close relatives, while marital status, occupation, and income are among the demographic risk variables. Among the individual and interpersonal factors influencing drug usage among participants were personal desire and friends’ insistence. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the TPB’s structures might be used to predict drug relapse in addicts.

Gender and sustainable entrepreneurship intention: Insights from Malaysian undergraduates

AbstractSustainable entrepreneurship is believed to be the solution to the detrimental impact of entrepreneurial activities. The concept underscores the necessity to discover, create and utilise business activities that positively contribute to environmental and societal sustainability. This article seeks evidence of which factors influence sustainable entrepreneurship intention (SEI) and how gender moderates the relationship among sustainability attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control and SEI. The survey was administered to 390 undergraduate students at Malaysian public universities. By performing structural equation modelling analysis, results showed that SEI is influenced by sustainability attitude and perceived behavioural control, whereas subjective norms do not have such an impact. The moderation analysis further discovered that gender only moderates the relationship between sustainable attitude and SEI; the strength of the relationship is stronger among female students. The results of this study offer practical guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Policymakers can use these findings to craft focused initiatives and educational programmes to nurture sustainable entrepreneurship among students, cultivating a future workforce dedicated to ethical business conduct. Industry leaders can draw on the understanding of gender differences in the link between sustainability attitudes and SEI to formulate strategies for attracting and retaining talent inclined towards sustainable practices in their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Planned Behavior in the Use of Dating Apps by Women in Korea

While South Koreans tend to quickly adopt new technologies, such as mobile apps, without facing technological difficulties, this population uses dating apps at a relatively low rate compared with Western countries. The current study employes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine psychological factors, as opposed to technological factors, to explain why South Koreans—particularly female young adults—rarely use dating apps to find potential romantic partners. Participants were 309 women who completed an online survey assessing their attitudes toward dating apps, subjective norms regarding dating apps, and perceived risks. As for behavioral control, factors of the original TPB were collected, and the relationships among these factors were analyzed. The results indicated that the initially suggested model did not show an acceptable fit of the data. Among the three factors, attitude towards dating apps was the most important in predicting intention, while actual usage of the apps negatively affected future intentions. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Antecedents of Murabaha home financing among Muslim household – an integrated framework

PurposeThough Murabaha financing experienced substantial growth in several majority-Muslim countries, its market share in the Moroccan banking industry is still very narrow than other conventional banks’ instruments. The current research investigated the ability of an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework to explain the main drivers of attitude and intention to use Murabaha financing among Moroccan households. The moderating effect of Islamic religiosity was also scrutinized.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via a survey of 512 Moroccan consumers and analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) technique.FindingsFirst, attitude toward Islamic banking products is a key predictor of consumer intention to use Murabaha financing. At the same time, consumers’ attitudes are influenced by Islamic financial literacy, subjective norms, behavioral control and profit and loss sharing. Islamic religiosity was also found to positively moderate the link between attitudes towards Islamic banking (IB) and intention to use Murabaha financing, e.g. positive attitudes toward IB are more likely to convert into an intention to use Murabaha financing among Muslim consumers with higher levels of religiosity.Managerial implicationsTo boost consumers’ intention to use Murabaha financing, Islamic bank managers should consider further investment in advertising to enhance consumers’ awareness about IB products. Islamic banks should also consider digital and social media marketing to increase consumers’ awareness about the products and spread a positive e-WOM with regards to their products. Our findings emphasize the importance of Islamic religiosity in shaping Muslim consumers’ intentions to use Murabaha financing. Islamic banks ought to make sure that Murabaha financing contracts are strictly adherent to and compliant with Shari’ah principles. They should also train their frontline employees on Islamic financing activities so that they can effectively respond to the queries and questions of Murabaha potential consumers.Originality/valueThe study findings contribute to the IB literature by demystifying the key factors shaping Muslim consumers’ intentions to use Murabaha financing. The study also extends the literature by emphasizing Islamic religiosity as a basis for Muslim consumers’ behavior in the context of IB. To the best of our knowledge, this study is among the first to empirically investigate Muslim consumers’ intention to use Murabaha financing in North Africa and the Arab countries.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2022-0680

Exploring the role of self-determination theory and theory of planned behaviour in understanding the link between spiritual motivation and university-industry collaboration

PurposeUniversity-industry collaboration studies have placed greater emphasis on intrinsic motivators that drive academic researchers to pursue collaboration. This paper explores the relationship between spiritual motivation and collaboration intentions mediated the antecedents of university-level collaboration through theories of self-determination and planned behaviour. This study was conducted to validate the proposed relationship between spirituality and academic researchers in the field of engineering affiliated with higher educational institutions in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study surveyed 242 participants and utilised structural equation modelling. Research has found that the beneficial relationship between spiritual motivation and collaboration intentions is mediated by attitudes and perceived behavioural control. This study represents a quantitative investigation within the realm of university-industry collaboration, which aims to document the ways in which spiritual motivation can augment collaboration with industry. The study employs self-determination theory and the theory of planned behaviour to elucidate the underlying mechanism to support entrepreneurial debate.FindingsThis study identified attitude and perceived behavioural control as mediators in the relationship between spiritual motivation and collaboration intentions.Originality/valueThe results of this study provide additional support for existing theories and present a diverse perspective on the intrinsic motivation of academic researchers to adopt UIC.

Integrating Cognitive Competency, Social Competency and Risk Propensity with the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Attain Sustainable-Development-Goal-8-Driven Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions

This paper empirically examines whether integrating entrepreneurial abilities with the theory of perceived behaviour positively influences Sustainable-Development-Goal-8-driven sustainable entrepreneurial intentions (SDG-8 SEIs). The data used in this study were gathered from 540 students from top-ranked Indian engineering colleges that offer entrepreneurship courses and have access to company incubators. According to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, and entrepreneurial drive are the three elements of perceived entrepreneurial behaviour. The TPB’s dimensions in this study have entrepreneurial competencies as their antecedents. Cognitive competency, risk propensity, and social competency and resilience are antecedents of the TPB’s dimensions. One entrepreneurial viewpoint uses sustainable UNDP-SDG-8 as a metric for assessing intentions; its objectives are the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). According to the findings, engineering students in India are more likely to have entrepreneurial-focused intentions based on sustainability if they adhere to the TPB’s dimensions along with additional constructs. Using an expanded TPB model, we show that the TPB has learnable and stimulating antecedents, with these having a positive effect on SDG-8 SEIs, thus extending entrepreneurial activity in India. Policymakers, universities, and students will find these results very intriguing. The TPB’s dimensions and three additional dimensions are proposed as antecedents in a new conceptual model aimed at sustainable entrepreneurship in this study.

Holistic Antecedent Analysis of Behavioral Intention among Green Consumers in the Philippines: A Sustainability Theory of the Planned Behavior Approach

Concerns over sustainability have recently drawn more attention in a post-COVID-19 environment, particularly from developing countries. This heightened global awareness of sustainability highlights the importance of comprehending consumer behavior in purchasing green products. This study utilized an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) called the sustainability theory of planned behavior (STPB) to holistically assess the behavioral intention among green consumers in a particular developing country: the Philippines. Convenience sampling was used with 500 participants, and 54 modified questions were distributed online. Different factors, such as perceived environmental concern, perceived economic concern, perceived authority support, subjective norm, attitude, perceived behavioral control, customer perceived value, and purchasing intention, were assessed concurrently through the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Through this, it was discovered that all the STPB predictors were significant drivers affecting the consumers’ purchasing intention, with customer perceived value having the highest direct effect. Moreover, it was found that the relationship between perceived economic concern on subjective norms and perceived behavioral control was insignificant. Further implications and comparisons were made based on the results of the study. The study’s findings can be utilized to help policymakers and marketers devise strategies that will effectively encourage sustainability through targeted interventions and increased product awareness. The study has validated the integration of new constructs into the TPB, enhancing the predictive power of the proposed model for assessing the behavioral intention to purchase green products. Thus, the model construct can be applied and utilized to investigate other topics regarding sustainability.

Research on the Driving Factors for the Application of Energy Performance Contracting in Public Institutions

Building energy efficiency in public institutions is crucial for achieving energy conservation and emissions reduction goals. The application of energy performance contracting (EPC) can effectively reduce energy consumption in these buildings and promote the development of the energy-saving service industry. However, there is a lack of initiative among public institutions to adopt EPC. This study aims to investigate the factors that drive the intention and behavior of public institutions to apply EPC and enhance their proactive engagement in building energy efficiency retrofitting. By considering the current status of EPC application in public institutions and drawing on relevant decision-making and behavioral theories, this paper identifies the key factors that drive the intention and behavior of public institutions, and constructs a theoretical model of the intentional and behavioral driving factors. In the empirical testing phase, research data are collected through online questionnaires. Structural equation modeling is employed to validate and analyze the extent of the driving factors and their interrelationships. The key findings are that (1) perceived usefulness, trust, and perceived risk significantly drive the behavior intention of public institutions to apply EPC; (2) perceived behavioral control and perceived ease of use significantly positively drive the behavior of public institutions, with behavior intention being the most influential factor; and (3) policy system and organizational support play a significant moderating role in the process from intention to behavior. Based on these findings, this paper proposes the critical tasks and suggests countermeasures for stakeholders in EPC projects.

Implications of the Progression to Sustainable Public Transportation: An Insight into Modern Jeepney Shift from the Philippines

Modern jeepneys represent a notable step forward in the Philippines’ modernization efforts. However, there is a need for further study since this has caused a lot of criticism in the country, and no studies have established its service quality and the behavioral intentions among passengers. This study assessed the factors influencing passengers’ intention to use modern jeepneys, employing a higher-order reflective construct using partial least square structural equation modeling. An online questionnaire gathered data from 502 commuters using modern jeepneys, employing convenience sampling for a diverse sample. Significant relationships (p-value &lt; 0.05) were found between service quality (β: 0.559), attitude (β: 0.169), perceived behavioral control (β: 0.183), and behavioral intentions (β: 0.160), with assurance emerging as the most influential factor for higher-ordered constructs (β: 0.869). Meanwhile, satisfaction’s significant influence on behavioral intention was highest for lower-ordered constructs (β: 0.673). The study underscored the importance of building trust with passengers, prioritizing safety and security, and integrating modern jeepneys with traditional designs to enhance commuter experiences and promote modernized and sustainable transportation alternatives. It highlights the critical role of providing high-quality service in fostering positive intentions toward using modern jeepneys and its utilization. Despite the backlash of the majority on the redevelopment of traditional jeepneys, results presented that passengers are more inclined to use public transportation based on travel experiences rather than societal approval. The study offers theoretical and practical implications for future works and government organizations, transportation management, and modern jeepney manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of improving service quality.

MEDIATING ROLE OF TRUST ON VISIT INTENTION: MUSLIM FRIENDLY TOURISM IN TANA TORAJA

This study evaluated the relationship between attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control by using visit intention as a moderating variable and trust as a mediating variable. This study used quantitative research. The population in this study were Muslim tourists who visited tourist attractions in Tana Toraja district. Sampling used a purposive sampling with certain criteria. Data collection techniques used a questionnaire method. Meanwhile, data analysis in this study used SEM PLS. The results showed that a comprehensive trust mediation was found in the perception relationship between behavioral control and visit intention for Muslim-friendly tourism behavior, while in the attitude relationship, subjective norms toward visit intention Muslim-friendly tourism were found to be partial mediation. In other words, the model proposed to form a fundamental change in the visiting intention pattern of Muslim-friendly tourism for tourists was not running optimally. However, this study still finds it important that trust is able to mediate the relationship between perceptions of behavior control and visit intention in Muslim-friendly tourism. This research had two contributions, namely empirical evidence and policy. The results of this study were additional literature related to evidence of the development of the Muslim-friendly tourism trust on visit intention model. In addition, the results of this study helped the tourism agency achieve sustainable development

Philanthropic Impact of Investing Via Waqf-Featured Unit Trust Funds: Determinant Factors Influencing the Participation in Waqf Unit Trust Funds in Malaysia

Purpose — Waqf unit trust funds are a form of value-based impact investing that combines financial investment with philanthropic goals through waqf (Islamic endowment). This study uses the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate the factors that influence people’s intentions to participate in waqf unit trust funds in Malaysia. Furthermore, the study investigates the function of religion as a moderator in predicting an individual’s intention to engage in waqf unit trust funds. Design/Methodology/Approach — Four hundred and four completed survey questionnaires have been obtained. Descriptive analysis and Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) are performed to analyse the data. Findings — The findings show that an individual’s intention to engage in waqf unit trust funds is influenced by attitude, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, and moral norms. Furthermore, religiosity influences the relationship between moral norms and the intention to join in waqf unit trust funds. Research Implications and Limitations — Findings from this study which focuses on Muslims’ involvement in recently established waqf unit trust funds can be used by the waqf unit trust managers in Malaysia to develop appropriate marketing strategies in encouraging Muslim participation in waqf unit trust funds. Participation in waqf unit trusts is not limited to Muslims; hence, future studies can be conducted to cover a wider base of respondents among non-Muslims.

Analysis of Actual Fitness Supplement Consumption among Health and Fitness Enthusiasts.

With the rising popularity of fitness supplements, understanding the factors driving their consumption behaviors is crucial. This study investigated the actual consumption of fitness supplements utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Health Belief Model (HBM), and the Theory of Effort Minimization in Physical Activity (TEMPA) frameworks. The TPB provided insights into how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence individuals' intentions to consume fitness supplements. Additionally, the HBM sheds light on perceived effectiveness, benefits, barriers, and health motivation related to supplement consumption. Integrating the TEMPA framework further investigated the role of effort minimization in physical activity contexts. Through an online questionnaire, data were collected from a sample of 250 fitness supplement-consuming respondents. SEM analysis revealed significant associations between behavioral intentions and attitudes, perceived behavioral control, health motivation, and controlled precursors. However, it was seen that subjective norms, perceived effectiveness, perceived benefits, and automatic precursors were deemed insignificant. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping actual consumption behaviors, offering valuable implications for marketers, health professionals, and policymakers seeking to promote informed and responsible supplement use among health and fitness enthusiasts.

Perceptions of Chinese women with a history of gestational diabetes regarding health behaviors and related factors: a directed qualitative content analysis

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders during pregnancy and is associated with adverse outcomes in both mothers and their children. After delivery, women who experience GDM are also at higher risk of both subsequent GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than those who do not. Therefore, healthcare providers and public health practitioners need to develop targeted and effective interventions for GDM. In this study, we aimed to explore the perceptions regarding health behaviors and related factors during the inter-pregnancy period among Chinese women with a history of GDM through the lens of the theory of planned behavior (TPB).MethodsBetween December 2021 and September 2022, 16 pregnant Chinese women with a history of GDM were purposively recruited from a tertiary maternity hospital in Shanghai for face-to-face semi-structured interviews. They were asked questions regarding their health behaviors and related factors. The transcribed data were analyzed using a directed qualitative content analysis method based on the theory of TPB.ResultsThe health-related behaviors of the women varied substantially. We identified five domains that influenced women’s behaviors according to TPB constructs and based on the data collected: behavioral attitude (perceived benefits of healthy behaviors and the relationship between experience and attitude towards the oral glucose tolerance testing); subjective norms (influences of significant others and traditional cultural beliefs); perceived behavior control (knowledge of the disease, multiple-role conflict, the impact of COVID-19, an unfriendly external environment and difficulty adhering to healthy diets), incentive mechanisms (self-reward and external incentives); preferences of professional and institutional support (making full use of social media platform and providing continuous health management).ConclusionsThe health-related behaviors of women with a history of GDM were found to be affected by multiple factors. Healthcare professionals are recommended to provide women with sufficient information regarding the disease and to take advantage of the power of the family and other social support networks to improve women’s subjective norms and to promote the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.