MPH, University of Cincinnati, 2015, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Public Health - Health Education/Health Promotion

The purpose of this study is to determine if the health belief model predicts childhood obesity prevention behaviors among upper elementary school children in a sample drawn from the Chennai region of southern India. The study reports data about three behaviors: less than two hours of screen time, drinking 6 to 8 cups of water instead of sweetened beverages, and eating five or more cups of fruits and vegetables. The health belief model has offered a practical framework for designing primary prevention interventions to reduce other health problems and continues to do so in the West. This study was designed to examine the extent to which selected health belief model constructs could predict the chosen behaviors among upper elementary school children in India. Data were collected using a 47-item valid and reliable scale administered to the sample population. Regression analyses were run to test for variance in behaviors attributable to each of the independent variables. The final regression model revealed that the health belief model predictors were weak in the current context of study, probably due to cultural differences in India compared to the USA where this model originated. Recommendations have been offered to evolve interventions aimed at predicting obesity associated behaviors in children.

Committee: Bradley Wilson Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Brittany L. Rosen Ph.D. (Committee Member); Manoj Sharma M.B.B.S. Ph.D. (Committee Member); Jun Ying Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Public Health