Theory of planned behavior and multivitamin supplement use in Caucasian college females.
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.
Pawlak
Roman
R
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, East Carolina University, 149 Rivers, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. pawlakr@ecu.edu
Brown
Denise
D
Meyer
Mary Kay
MK
Connell
Carol
C
Yadrick
Kathleen
K
Johnson
J T
JT
Blackwell
Ann
A
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
D004338:Drug Combinations; D014815:Vitamins; D005492:Folic Acid