Evaluation of the Intention of Nutritional Behavior in Women with Prediabetes Based On the Theory of Planned Behavior

Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases that can be prevented and controlled by following a healthy lifestyle. This study aimed to apply the theory of planned behavior in determining the predictors of nutritional behavior in women with prediabetes referred to the comprehensive health service centers of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2020. A total of 196 pre-diabetic women referred to Mashhad Comprehensive Health Service Center (Iran) were selected by multi-stage random sampling. To collect the data, a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information based on the theoretical structures of planned behavior [attitude, mental norms, behavioral control, and intention to follow a healthy diet] was used. Data were analyzed in SPSS-25 software at a significance level of 0.05.  The mean of total scores obtained in Attitude constructs 4.1 ± 0.50, mental norms 3.67 ± 1.06, behavioral control 4.13 ± 0.55 and behavioral intention 4.00 ± 0.39 and healthy eating behavior 3.00 ± 0.65 was reported. The construct of the mental norm (β = 0.254) was a strong predictor in the structure of intention and intention (β = 0.419) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.240) was a strong predictor of nutritional behavior (p <0.001). Planned behavior theory was able to predict 40.5% of eating behavior in women with prediabetes.  It seems that by applying the planned theory in the design of educational programs, it is possible to improve the observance of a healthy diet in women with prediabetes.