Application of Social Cognitive Theory in Predicting Childhood Obesity Prevention Behaviors in Overweight and Obese Iranian Adolescents. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bagherniya, Mohammad; Sharma, Manoj; Mostafavi, Firoozeh; Keshavarz, Seyed Ali
• Is Part Of: International quarterly of community health education. Volume 35:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 147
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: obesity -- nutrition -- physical activity -- adolescent -- social cognitive theory -- Iran; Health education -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; 613.071
• DOI: 10.1177/0272684X15569487
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-684X

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to use social cognitive theory to predict overweight and obesity behaviors in adolescent girls in Iran. Valid and reliable questionnaires about nutritional and physical activity regarding social cognitive theory constructs (self-efficacy, social support, outcome expectations, and outcome expectancies), dietary habits, and physical activity were filled by 172 overweight and obese girl adolescents. The mean age and body mass index were 13.4 ± 0.6 years and 28.2 ± 3.6 kg/m 2, respectively. Body mass index was significantly related to hours of television viewing ( p = .003) and grams of junk food ( p = .001). None of the social cognitive theory constructs were found to be significant predictors for servings of fruits and vegetables, grams of junk foods, minutes of physical activity, and hours of sedentary behaviors. In future, more culturally appropriate models need to be developed in Iran that can explain and predict prevention behaviors of obesity in Iranian adolescents.