Protection motivation theory to predict intention of healthy eating and sufficient physical activity to prevent Diabetes Mellitus in Thai population: A path analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem causing premature death and economic burden. The study aimed to investigate an application of the protection motivation theory (PMT) model to explain the intention of healthy eating behaviors and physical activity among healthy Thais.

METHODS

This study was a part of a large case control focused only on the control group without noncommunicable diseases. Nine hundred ninety-seven subjects were drawn from eleven provinces of Thailand. A self-administered questionnaire was constructed based on the PMT model to gather information on predictive factors on eating behaviors and physical activity. Path analysis was used to determine whether the empirical data fit the PMT structure as well as to assess the strength of association among PMT constructed factors predicting behavioral intention.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that empirical data of eating behaviors (CMIN χ2 p-value = 0.462; CMIN/df = 0.901; NFI = 0.997; CFI = 1; RMSEA <0.001) and physical activity (CMIN χ2 p-value = 0.053; CMIN/df = 2.187; NFI = 0.987; CFI = 0.993; RMSEA = 0.035) fit the PMT. The strongest predictive factor of behavioral intention on eating behaviors was response efficacy (β = 0.146), while self-efficacy was found to be the strongest factor for physical activity (β = 0.11). Knowledge had the only indirect effect on behavior intention through perceived susceptibility and perceived severity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, information on susceptibility and severity should be incorporated in intervention strategies to enhance response efficacy and self-efficacy to prevent diabetes.