Investigation of Predictors of Dairy Consumption in Students of Shahr-e Kord University of Medical Sciences: An Application of the Health Belief Model

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Balanced nutrition and the use of dairy products, because of their nutrients, is one of the basic pillars of health and can be effective in increasing educational efficiency. The present study aimed to determine predictors of dairy consumption in students of Shahr-e Kord University of Medical Sciences using the health belief model. Methods: The present research was a descriptive-analytical study which was conducted on 351 students of Shahr-e Kord University of Medical Sciences in 2017. The participants were selected using cluster sampling. The required data were collected through a three-part questionnaire (demographic variables, constructs of the Health Belief Model, and items related to the dairy consumption behavior) and then statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical tests (Pearson correlation and regression analysis) in SPSS-18. Results: The results showed that 45.9% of male students and only 12.7% of females used dairy products every day (p<0.000). Except for perceived benefits, there was no significant difference between male and female students in the mean score of other constructs (p<0.05). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that perceived susceptibility in male students and perceived self-efficacy in female students are the main predictors of dairy consumption behavior. Conclusions: Based on the study findings, perceived susceptibility and perceived self-efficacy, as the most important predictors of dairy consumption behavior in university students, should be emphasized in the development of training interventions.