Exploring a Healthy Living Variable Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Objectives: Smoking, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption were compiled into a healthy living variable and examined in college students using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods: A questionnaire with TPB constructs was developed, validated, and completed by 461 students. Multiple linear regression predicted the healthy behavior variable, which accounted for smoking status, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Results: Smoking (daily and nondaily/social) incidence was 20% with men more likely to smoke than women (p=.008). Smokers engaged in physical activity on fewer days than nonsmokers (p<.001). Overall, TPB predicted the healthy behavior variable (p<.001) with the intentions construct providing the strongest prediction. Conclusions: TPB may be useful to address student engagement in adverse health behaviors.