Health belief model of Adolescents Girls regarding Dietary Habits at Secondary School in Thi-Qar Governorate

Abstract

Background: Nutritionally, adolescence is a critical stage of life. Obesity and diet-related disorders might develop as a result of poor eating habits developed during adolescence. Objectives: The study's objectives are to investigate the health belief model of adolescent girls on dietary habits and to determine the impact of sociodemographic factors on the HBM of dietary habits in adolescent girls. Methods: Cross-sectional A descriptive research was conducted at three secondary schools, with 200 females chosen at random from a convenience sample. The information gathered from the sample using a self-report HBM scale. Results: Of 200 girls, 106 (53 percent) are between the ages of 17 and 19, 123 (61.5%) are between the ages of 17 and 19, 64 (32 percent) of girls' moms have a secondary school education, 51 (25.5%) of girls' fathers have a secondary school education, and 125 (62.5%) of families are barely enough. On average, girls get a low rating for the health belief model when it comes to food choices (2.458). The HBM of dietary habits is significantly influenced by the students' age, BMI, and monthly income. Conclusion: In terms of food habits, the study sample has a low HBM.