AIM: Based on The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) that is one of the perspectives frequently used in order to explain health behavior it is assumed that behavioral intention is the most important predictor of behavior. Behavioral intention can be predicted by attitudes toward behavior, subjective norm, and perceived control over the behavior. The aims of the present study are investigating the frequency of health protective behaviors and the interrelations of them, and predictive effects of TPB variables on these behaviors.
METHOD: A sample of university students (n=233) was voluntarily participated in the study and filled the questionnaire. A list of seven behaviors which their relations with mortality were demonstrated in a previous study were employed as protective health habits. The Likert type questions were used to obtain data related to the frequency of behavior and TPB variables for each behavior. Also, the questionnaire contained The Multidimensional Health Control Scale, questions about perceived health status and socio-demographics.
RESULTS: The results showed that, though they were far from desirable level, the students health protective behaviors were more frequent than unhealthy behaviors and, were intercorrelated. Behavioral intention for health protective behaviors was found to be predicted by perceived behavioral control and, behavioral intention and attitudes toward behavior were appeared as predictors of the behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, the study revealed supportive findings for some of the previous studies on healthy and unhealthy habits and for the connections between the predictors and behavior assumed in The TPB model and, suggestions were made for future research
Key words: Health protective behavior, Theory of Planned Behavior, Health Locus of Control, university students Article Language: Turkish English
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