Factors Related to Obesity Prevention Behaviors in Female High School Students in Qom, Iran Based on the Social Cognitive Theory

In recent years, obesity has been increased in developing countries, especially among adolescents. Various measures have not been successful to prevent it. The present study aims to investigate the factors related to obesity prevention behaviors in female high school student in Qom, Iran based on the social cognitive theory (SCT).

This descriptive study was conducted on 104 high school girls who were randomly selected from two schools in Qom city. To collect data, a demographic form, the questionnaire based on the SCT constructs, fast food consumption questionnaire, unhealthy snack consumption questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, and the international physical activity questionnaire-short form were used. Data analysis was done using analysis of variance and Pearson correlation test.

In terms of the SCT constructs, the mean score of awareness was 13.98 out of 24; the mean score of outcome expectations was 13.05 out of 20 (65.25%); the mean score of outcome evaluation was 47.27 out of 30 (91.56%); the mean score of observational learning was 26.08 out of 30 (55%); the mean score of reinforcement was 3.23 out of 25 (56.96%); the mean score of self-efficacy was 18.52 out of 25 (74.08%); and the mean score of self-control was 13.05 out of 25 (52.2%). The scores of the SCT constructs had a significant relationship with nutritional behaviors and physical activity. The results of analysis of variance showed that the mean scores of the constructs of outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and self-control were significantly related to the physical activity of students.

The SCT constructs can be good predictors for obesity prevention behaviors in female high school students. Planning and implementing interventions based on these constructs can be effective in improving their lifestyle and nutritional patterns.