Predicting the consumption of foods low in saturated fats among people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The role of planning in the theory of planned behaviour

• Published in: Appetite 2010-10, Vol.55 (2), p.348-354
• Main Authors: White, Katherine M., Terry, Deborah J., Troup, Carolyn, Rempel, Lynn A., Norman, Paul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; adults; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; attitudes and opinions; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases - metabolism; Choice Behavior; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - metabolism; dietary fat; disease diagnosis; Eating; Ethnic Groups; fat intake; Fatty Acids - metabolism; Feeding Behavior; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Female; food intake; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; low fat foods; Male; Medical sciences; Metabolic diseases; Middle Aged; noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; patients; Planning; prediction; Predictive Value of Tests; psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Regression Analysis; Saturated fats consumption; Surveys and Questionnaires; Theory of Planned Behavior; Theory of planned behaviour; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
• ISSN: 0195-6663; 1095-8304
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2010.07.011

The present study tested the utility of an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour that included a measure of planning, in the prediction of eating foods low in saturated fats among adults diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. Participants (N=184) completed questionnaires assessing standard theory of planned behaviour measures (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) and the additional volitional variable of planning in relation to eating foods low in saturated fats. Self-report consumption of foods low insaturated fats was assessed 1 month later. In partial support of the theory of planned behaviour, results indicated that attitude and subjective norm predicted intentions to eat foods low in saturated fats and intentions and perceived behavioural control predicted the consumption of foods low in saturated fats. As an additional variable, planning predicted the consumption of foods low in saturated fats directly and also mediated the intention–behaviour and perceived behavioural control–behaviour relationships, suggesting an important role for planning as a post-intentional construct determining healthy eating choices. Suggestions are offered for interventions designed to improve adherence to healthy eating recommendations for people diagnosed with these chronic conditions with a specific emphasis on the steps and activities that are required to promote a healthier lifestyle.