Abstract:
This cross-sectional survey research was designed to investigate certain factors that affect the
food consumption behavior among sixth-grade students in several Bangkok Metropolitan schools. The
study applied the ‘Pender Health Promotion Model 1980’ as its conceptual framework. The sampled
group in this study consisted of 420 sixth-grade students who were studying in 17 Bangkok
Metropolitan schools. The students were selected by using a stratified sampling method. Data, in the
form of answers to self-administered questionnaires, were collected from the students who had
attended their classes between February 12, 2002 and March 12, 2002. The data were analyzed
statistically by using frequency distribution, percentage, means, standard deviation, Pearson̉s Moment
Correlation, and Chi-Square. The factors predicting the food consumption behavior were analyzed by
Multiway Analysis of Variance and Multiple Classification Analysis. The result of this study showed
that the food consumption behavior was correct at a moderate level (81.0%). In the period of 1-7 days
of the past week that the students could recall, they consumed snacks at 69.6%, carbonated beverages
at 58.1%, and instant noodles at 41.2%. It was found that the cognitive-perceptual factors (such as
attitude toward health and vision on health) and modifying factors (such as gender, number of siblings,
number of family members, mother’s education level and the student’s daily allowance) were
correlated significantly with the food consumption behavior. Cues to action (such as perceptions of
influence from friends and media) also affected the food consumption behavior significantly. From
Multiple Classification Analysis, it was found that the modifying factors were the best predictor which
could predict 10.0 percent of the variation in behavior. Morever, 5.0 percent and 4.0 percent of the
variation in food consumption behavior could be predicted by cognitive conceptual factors and cue to
action respectively.
The results of this study suggest that, as a strategy of health education, the content in school
curriculum should be developed to reflect the long-term benefits of healthy food consumption. Schools
should assist in the development of the students’ cognitive-perceptual factors that affect their food
consumption behavior. Distribution of unhealthy foods should be controlled. A group of friends with
proper food consumption behavior should be formed in order to serve as a model for others.