Applying the theory of planned behavior to women's behavioral attitudes on and consumption of soy products.
OBJECTIVE
To identify variables that significantly predict the intention and behavior concerning soy consumption applying the Theory of Planned Behavior and to determine the role of race on women's perspectives and consumption behaviors concerning soy.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey, with self-administered questionnaires.


METHODS
City park service programs, community organizations, black cultural classes, and university offices.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 205 black (n = 103) and white (n = 102) women.


METHODS
Women's behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, and behavior related to soy consumption.


METHODS
Correlation and stepwise regression analysis.


RESULTS
All variables in the Theory of Planned Behavior showed significant correlations with behavioral intention, with behavioral attitudes exhibiting the strongest correlation (r = .57, P < .01). Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that behavioral attitude toward taste and subjective norms accounted for 47.7% of the variance in behavioral intention. Behavioral attitude toward taste explained 48.6% of the variability in behavior. There was no difference between races for consumption or Theory of Planned Behavior variables.


CONCLUSIONS
A negative attitude toward the taste of soy was the major predictor for low soy consumption. However, future studies should be undertaken to verify this relationship once more women become aware of and have tasted soy.
Rah
Jee Hyun
JH
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
Hasler
Clare M
CM
Painter
James E
JE
Chapman-Novakofski
Karen M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011582:Psychological Theory; D030262:Soybean Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D044465:White People; D016387:Women's Health
D030262:Soybean Proteins