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

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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.