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Consumption of carbonated drinks in adolescents: a transtheoretical analysis
Author(s) -
Buchanan H.,
Coulson N. S.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
child: care, health and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.832
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1365-2214
pISSN - 0305-1862
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2006.00691.x
Subject(s) - transtheoretical model , psychological intervention , self efficacy , health promotion , behavior change , psychology , medicine , health behavior , balance (ability) , clinical psychology , gerontology , environmental health , physical therapy , public health , social psychology , nursing , psychiatry
Background Adolescents consume a high level of carbonated drinks and this may have significant adverse effects for their weight and oral health. Therefore, we examined the application of key constructs of the Transtheoretical Model (stages of change, decisional balance and self‐efficacy) and health as a value (both general and oral) to adolescent carbonated drink consumption and to identify any gender differences. Methods A total of 399 adolescents (mean age 12.57 years, SD = 1.54) completed a questionnaire measuring: stage of change, decisional balance, self‐efficacy, carbonated drink consumption and attitudes to health and healthy teeth. Results Over half of the adolescents (55%) were classified into one of the pre‐action stages (i.e. precontemplation or contemplation) and males were more likely to be represented in the precontemplation stage than females. Significant associations with stage of change, decisional balance and self‐efficacy were found, though there was no association with attitudes to health (general or oral). Conclusion The findings suggest that the Transtheoretical Model (and its key constructs) may be a useful framework through which more tailored health promotion interventions can be designed.