Likelihood of healthy eating among adolescents based on the health belief model

Abstract

Introduction: Maintaining appropriate eating habits is one of the key components of good health. It is especially difficult during adolescence, a critical period in life because of the increased autonomy and the intention to take risks. Investigating the theoretical background of adolescents' eating behaviour is therefore a worthwhile line of research. We applied the widely used health belief model to explore adolescents' likelihood of healthy eating. Materials and methods: A sample of adolescents (Szeged, Hungary; N = 400, age = 14-19 years; mean age = 16.01 years, SD = 1.18 years; 37% males) participated in the study. Data were collected through online, self-administered/ anonymous questionnaires. Based on bidirectional correlations of the variables, we used a path analysis to examine relationships between elements of a modified health belief model. Results: Our modified model showed the direct impacts of cues to action, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy, and the indirect impacts of perceived severity and susceptibility-via-cues-to-action on the likelihood of healthy eating. Discussion and conclusions: Elements of the health belief model play a decisive role in estimating adolescents' healthy eating behaviour. We suggest that the model can serve as a useful theoretical background in planning and evaluating prevention programs to reduce obesity and promote healthy eating.