OBJECTIVES: To identify beliefs underlying attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control regarding sugar restriction using the theory of planned behavior, TPB. METHODS: A survey of 981 students was conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. RESULTS: The TPB predicted behavioral intention, with R2 = 0.25. Analysis of variance showed consistent differences between intenders (strong intentions) and nonintenders (weak intentions) with regard to beliefs of immediate sensory concerns and psychological control factors. CONCLUSIONS: Support was provided for the TPB constructs to predict intended sugar restriction. Beliefs distinguishing intenders from nonintenders represent targets for interventions aimed at maintaining a low-level sugar intake among students in Tanzania.
OBJECTIVES: To identify beliefs underlying attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control regarding sugar restriction using the theory of planned behavior, TPB. METHODS: A survey of 981 students was conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. RESULTS: The TPB predicted behavioral intention, with R2 = 0.25. Analysis of variance showed consistent differences between intenders (strong intentions) and nonintenders (weak intentions) with regard to beliefs of immediate sensory concerns and psychological control factors. CONCLUSIONS: Support was provided for the TPB constructs to predict intended sugar restriction. Beliefs distinguishing intenders from nonintenders represent targets for interventions aimed at maintaining a low-level sugar intake among students in Tanzania.