Psychosocial Variables and Obesity-Risk-Reduction Behaviors in Chinese Americans

Abstract

The objective of this study was to utilize social-psychological theories to explain obesity-risk-reduction behaviors. A questionnaire based on the health belief model and theory of planned behavior was administered to a convenience sample of 300 Chinese Americans in the New York metropolitan area. Psychosocial variables accounted for 40.4% of the variance of obesity-risk-reduction behaviors. Self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and perceived benefits emerged as most influential variables. Forty-eight percent of the variance of behavioral intention was accounted with self-efficacy predominating. Health professionals targeting Chinese Americans need to address self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and perceived benefits of adopting obesity-risk-reduction behaviors.

Keywords:

• Chinese Americans
• obesity prevention
• psychosocial theories

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Partial funding was provided by Montclair State University's Separately Budgeted Research Funds. We would like to thank Khadija Latif for her assistance with data collection.