The effect of intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on improving nutritional behaviors of students

Appropriate nutritional behavior have an important role in promotion of the student's physical and mental health. The aim of current study was evaluating effect an interventional program based on the theory of planned behavior on improving nutritional behaviors of students. This was a quasi-experimental study, randomized controlled trials, using before and after design, on 67 students in the fifth grade of the primary school,, which was conducted in 2010, in Mashhad. Samples were randomly assigned in two groups: case (n=32) and control (n=35). Then, intervention program consists of 4 sessions carried out for case group. Two weeks later, data were collected using using a questionnaire based on structures of, "Theory of Planned Behavior". Data were analyzed with SPSS-13 statistical software, independent and paired t-test and chi-square, in the significant %95. Before of intervention, in the structures of the theory, there was no significant difference between case and control group (p>0. 05). But, after of intervention, in the scores of attitude (p<0. 01، t = 3. 51), subjective norms (p<0. 01، t = 6. 98) and perceived control (p<0. 01، t = 3. 84), there was significant difference between case and control group. Therefore health promotion programs, based on the theory of planned behavior, have effective influence in improvement of nutritional behaviors among students.