Nutr Res Pract.  2014 Jun;8(3):327-335.

Using the theory of planned behavior to determine factors influencing processed foods consumption behavior

• Seo S
• Kim OY
• Shim S

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to identify how level of information affected intention, using the Theory of Planned Behavior.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
The study was conducted survey in diverse community centers and shopping malls in Seoul, which yielded N = 209 datasets. To compare processed foods consumption behavior, we divided samples into two groups based on level of information about food additives (whether respondents felt that information on food additives was sufficient or not). We analyzed differences in attitudes toward food additives and toward purchasing processed foods, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions to processed foods between sufficient information group and lack information group.
RESULTS
The results confirmed that more than 78% of respondents thought information on food additives was insufficient. However, the group who felt information was sufficient had more positive attitudes about consuming processed foods and behavioral intentions than the group who thought information was inadequate. This study found people who consider that they have sufficient information on food additives tend to have more positive attitudes toward processed foods and intention to consume processed foods.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests increasing needs for nutrition education on the appropriate use of processed foods. Designing useful nutrition education requires a good understanding of factors which influence on processed foods consumption.

Keyword

Processed foods consumption; theory of planned behavior; attitude; subjective norms; information of food additives

MeSH Terms

Surveys and Questionnaires
Dataset
Education
Food Additives
Intention
Seoul
Food Additives

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Regression analysis results between independent variables and consumption intention 1. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < .001. CI 1; I intend to consume processed foods containing food additives less than the others, Att_Processed; attitude toward consuming processed foods, SN_Friends; subjective norms related with friends, PBC_Resources; perceived behavioral control related to resource

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  Fig. 2 Regression analysis results between independent variables and consumption intention 2. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < .001. CI 2; I intend to consume particular processed foods being promoted that food additives in their products are safe, Att_Processed; attitude toward consuming processed foods, SN_Friends; subjective norms related with friends, PBC_Resources; perceived behavioral control related to resource

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  Fig. 3 Regression analysis results between independent variables and consumption intention 3. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < .001. CI 3; I intend to consume processed foods regardless of using food additives, Att_Processed; attitude toward consuming processed foods, SN_Friends; subjective norms related with friends, PBC_Resources; perceived behavioral control related to resource

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