Predicting the healthy behaviors related to oil consumption among housewives in the light of the theory of planned behavior

As a constituent part of nutritional diet, proper consumption of oil can help prevent certain diseases. The present research aims to predict the adoption of healthy behaviors related to oil consumption among housewives in the light of the theory of planned behavior The present descriptive and analytical study was cross sectional in type. It was conducted among 160 housewives selected through multi-stratified sampling. To collect the required data, questionnaires developed by the researcher were used whose reliability and validity were already established. The questionnaire was comprised of three sections: a demographic section, oil consumption pattern and the constructs of the theory of planned behavior. To analyze the data, simple linear regression analysis was used. The Results revealed that 59.4% of women consumed liquid oil, while 6.9% of them consumed solid oil. 8.8% of the women never used frying liquid oil and 10% never used cooking liquid oil. Behavioral intention predicted 10% of the behavior. Moreover, all constructs of the theory of planned behavior (perceived behavioral control, attitude and subjective norms) together predicted 32% of the behavior. This research revealed that solid oil was commonly used by a number of women. It also showed that they followed unhealthy behaviors in cooking. The theory of planned behavior can be effectively used in designing interventions for the adoption of healthy behaviors related to the consumption of oil by housewives