ABSTRACT
Purpose@#This study investigated the relationship between 3 major constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), i.e., attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control (PBC) and past experience of healthy eating and intentions of healthy eating in the short-term and long-term in adults living in Shanghai and parts of Anhui Province, China. @*Methods@#The online study questionnaire for this cross-sectional study was based on previously validated items. A total of 408 Chinese adults (aged 18–64 years) residing in Shanghai and parts of Anhui Province, China were included to examine relationships between 3 major constructs of TPB and past experience of healthy eating, and short-term and long-term intentions of healthy eating. Multiple linear regression model adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI) was employed to test relationships. @*Results@#Only PBC among 3 major constructs of TPB was significantly related to short-term (p < 0.001) and long-term (p = 0.002) intention of healthy eating after adjustment for age and BMI. Past experience of healthy eating was more significantly related to long-term intention (p < 0.001) compared to short-term (p = 0.020) intention of healthy eating. The short-term and long-term intention models explained 70.5% and 48.8% of the variance, respectively. @*Conclusion@#PBC is a potential determinant of both short-term and long-term behavioral intention of healthy eating regardless of past experience of healthy eating in adults residing in Shanghai and parts of Anhui Province, China. Our results indicate that programs promoting healthy eating to Chinese adults incorporate PCB to perform healthy eating under his or her control.