Factors associated with breakfast consumption based on Social Cognitive Theory in primary school students in Marivan City, 2017

Social cognitive theory is one of the most effective theories used to predict the behavior of breakfast consumption and the teaching of nutritional behaviors. Considering the importance of breakfast consumption in the physical, psychological and social health of students, this study was conducted to determine the factors associated with breakfast consumption based on social cognitive theory in students.

In this cross-sectional descriptive analytical study, 299 male and female elementary students in Marivan city were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. Data gathering tools included demographic and background questionnaire, as well as a valid and reliable questionnaire based on social cognitive theory about breakfast consumption. Data were analysed by SPSS software version 16 exploiting Chi-square and t-test. All stages of the study were conducted according to moral standards.

Overall, 81.6% (n=244) of students showed a good pattern of breakfast consumption. The results of ttest revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between expected outcome, outcome evaluation, self-efficacy and self-regulation constructs among students with appropriate and inappropriate breakfast consumption pattern (P<0.001).

Considering the existence of a significant relationship between the constructs of social cognitive theory and breakfast consumption in studied students, the constructs of this theory can be used to predict the factors influencing breakfast consumption in students and will be effective in promoting supportive breakfast consumption programs.