Intention for Healthy Eating Among Southern Appalachian Teens

OBJECTIVE: To describe the intention for healthy eating and its correlates among southern Appalachian teens. METHODS: Four hundred sixteen adolescents 14- to 16-years-old were surveyed with self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: About 30% of the adolescents surveyed had definite intentions to eat healthfully during the next 2 weeks. The scales for perceived behavior control, attitude, perceived eating habits of significant others, and social support were shown to be fairly reliable (Cronbach's alpha=0.60 to 0.88). Perceived behavior control and attitude were positively associated with the intention for healthy eating. CONCLUSIONS: Better behavior control and more positive attitude may lead to a stronger intention for healthy eating.