The Use of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Assess Predictors of Intention to Eat Fruits Among 9th‐Grade Students Attending Two Public High Schools in Eastern North Carolina

Abstract

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify specific beliefs regarding eating two cups of fruits among ninth‐grade youth attending public high schools in easternNorth Carolinautilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A preliminary open‐ended questionnaire was used to elicit beliefs about fruits. These beliefs along with statements adopted from the literature tailored toward fruit intake were used to develop a survey instrument. This survey was subsequently used to measure the variables of the TPB. There were 157 students (103 girls [65.6%], mean ±SD age =14.69 ±0.79 and 54 boys [34.4%], mean ±SD age = 14.74 ±0.89) from two schools who completed the final copy of the survey. Results : Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly predicted intention to eat fruits, accounting for 55% of variance. Conclusion : The findings of this research suggest that peer leaders may have a significant influence on intentions to eat fruits.