Predictors of health behaviors in rural adolescents

Abstract

he aim of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive variables, health perceptions and knowledge, and health behaviors in a sample of rural adolescents using Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. The dependent variables are the dietary habits and physical activity. An anonymously written survey was administered to 124 students at a high school serving primarily lower‐income to middle‐income children in a small mid‐western city in the USA. Personal, environmental, and behavioral factors were examined. The results showed that boys perceived themselves as healthier, and were more active, than girls. However, girls had slightly better dietary habits, a difference which was significant, and displayed a higher score in personal characteristics than boys. The amount of physical activity was the strongest predictor of respondents’ dietary habits. Respondents’ perception of their health condition emerged as the strongest predictor of their level of physical activity followed by their nutrition score, leadership characteristics, and age. Age was negatively associated with physical activity; in other words younger respondents had higher activity levels. Although health knowledge predicted respondents’ dietary habits, it did not influence their level of physical activity. Communities must be prepared to provide age‐appropriate health education and prevention programs for the adolescent population. The assessment and the enhancement of health education for adolescents in rural areas can lead to improved health behaviors and help reach the goals set for health.

Citation

Misra, R. and Aguillon, S. (2001), "Predictors of health behaviors in rural adolescents", Health Education, Vol. 101 No. 1, pp. 22-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654280110365208