title: Theory of planned behavior and multivitamin supplement use in Caucasian college females.
abstract: The objective of this study was to identify predictors of the use of multivitamin supplements (MVS) among Caucasian college females utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Variables of the TPB and the self-reported use of multivitamin supplements were measured by two separate surveys within 1 week with a convenience sample of 96 Caucasian college student females. Two attitudinal beliefs and one control belief significantly predicted behavioral intention to use multivitamin. A belief that taking multivitamin supplements helps to feel and look good was the most important predictor of the use of multivitamin supplements. EDITORS' STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS: Findings from this study, although in need of replication, suggest that prevention campaigns would be more successful if messages used to reach these females were consistent with perceived beliefs regarding benefits of using MVS. More broadly, TPB appears to offer a useful framework for understanding or predicting behavior based on psychological constructs theorized to influence behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, East Carolina University, 149 Rivers, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. pawlakr@ecu.edu
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pawlak
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Mary Kay
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Connell
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yadrick
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blackwell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D012919:Social Behavior; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D014815:Vitamins; D005492:Folic Acid