Author/Authors :
Hosseini, Zahra Department of Health Education and Promotion - Faculty of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Gharlipour Gharghani, Zabihollah Department of Public Health - Faculty of Health - Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran , Mansoori, Anahita Faculty of nutrition sciences and dietetics - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Aghamolaei, Teamur Health Promotion Research Center - Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran , Mohammadi Nasrabadi, Maryam Health Education and Promotion - Faculty of Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Breakfast is the most important daily meal, but neglected more than other meals by
children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational
intervention, based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to increase breakfast consumption
among school children in Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Methods: In this quasi experimental study which was conducted in 2012, 88 students of four secondary
schools in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran, were enrolled. Multi-stage cluster sampling was performed
with random allocation of interventional and control groups. The study tool was a questionnaire
which was filled by the students before and two months after the educational intervention. For
data analysis, statistical tests including paired-samples t-test, independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon
test, and Mann-Whitney test were used through SPSS v.18 software.
Results: The result of the study showed that application of TRA significantly increased scores of
behavior of breakfast consumption (p<0.01). After the intervention, a significant increase was revealed
in all nutrition intakes, except for fat and sugar (p<0.01).
Conclusion: The findings support application of the TRA in improving the intention and behavior
of breakfast consumption. Applying this theory for designing interventions to increase breakfast eating
is recommended.
