J Nutr Health.  2023 Feb;56(1):112-121. 10.4163/jnh.2023.56.1.112.

Healthy eating-out options are related to healthy eating intention in adults residing in Daqing (China)

• Ma X
• Lee S
• Hwang JY

• KMID: 2540101
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2023.56.1.112

Abstract

Purpose
Eating behaviors are influenced by food environments, such as availability and/or accessibility of healthy food options. In this study, we examined the relationship between healthy eating-out options and the intention to eat healthily in adults residing in Daqing, China, using an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB).
Methods
Data were collected via an online survey conducted from April to May 2021 using a previously validated questionnaire in Daqing. A total number of 308 subjects aged 18–64, either Daqing oilfield workers or their family members were eligible and finally included in the analysis. The relationships among the attributes and the quality of healthy eatingout options, the three major constructs of TPB, and the intentions of healthy eating were examined using multiple linear regression analyses.
Results
Subjective norms (p = 0.049) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) (p = 0.000) were significantly related to the healthy eating intention. The quality and attributes of the food served statistically significantly explained the intention to eat healthily. After controlling for age, sex, and body mass index, not the quality but the attributes of food served (p = 0.037), subjective norms (p = 0.016), and PBC (p = 0.000) had a significant relationship with the intention to eat healthily. The model explained 83.7% of the variance.
Conclusion
The healthy eating-out choices, along with subjective norms and PBC of TPB, may be a potential determinant of healthy eating intention among Chinese adults living in Daqing, China. Policy implications have highlighted that not only the personal intention to eat healthy foods, but also the available healthy food environment may be important for the choice of healthy options by the population of interest. Therefore, building an environment for healthy eating choices and campaigns aimed at increasing consumer awareness of healthy eating are equally important for a smart eating choice.

Keyword

behavior; intention; diet; adult; environment