Abstract
Objective
To identify factors influencing intention to consume fruits and vegetables (F&V) among
college students by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior with the inclusion of
self-identity and past behavior.
Design
Cross-sectional study conducted in 2017.
Setting
Undergraduate classes at the University of Alabama.
Participants
A total of 343 undergraduate students, mean age 20.3 years, participated in the study.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Participants completed validated instruments measuring Theory of Planned Behavior
variables, past behavior, and self-identity.
Analysis
Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Overall chi-square goodness
of fit, comparative fit index, root mean square error of approximation, and Tucker-Lewis
Index were used to assess model fit.
Results
Model fit indices showed that the hypothesized structural equation modeling model
provided a good fit to the data (χ2 = 306.35; degrees of freedom = 104, root mean square error of approximation = 0.08;
comparative fit index =0.95; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.94). Self-identity was the most
significant predictor of intention to consume fruits and vegetables, followed by attitude,
past behavior, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm among college students.
Conclusions and Implications
Nutrition education advocating the role of increased F&V consumption in positive self-identity,
such as handouts incorporating images relatable to college students, may increase
college students’ intention to consume F&V.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 18, 2018
Accepted:
July 27,
2018
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors have not stated any conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
