The purpose of this study was to identify the factors explaining the performance of health behaviors among adults with metabolic syndrome based on the theory of planned behavior. The hypothetical model was constructed based on the concepts of attitude toward health behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control of the patients with metabolic syndrome to predict the performance of health behaviors through intention. In addition, support from the family was included to the model based on the literature. The exogenous variables were attitude toward health behavior, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and family support. The endogenous variables included intention toward health behavior and health behavior. Total of 218 adults with metabolic syndrome were recruited for the study from July 15 to October 31, 2017. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 24.0.
The hypothetical model appeared to be fit to the data with χ2/df 2.97, standardized root mean­square residual .07, parsimonious normed fit index .65. All of seven hypotheses selected for hypothetical model were statistically significant. Attitude toward health behavior, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control explained 32.3% of variance in intention toward health behavior and intention explained 17% of variance in health behavior(γ=.17, t=2.31). Perceived behavioral control showed significant direct effects and mediating effect through intention on health behavior(γ=.57, t=5.85), Family support also has significant direct effects on health behavior(γ=.38, t=4.75).
The findings of this study suggest that attitude toward health behavior, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and family support are the significant factors explaining 56% of variance in the performance of health behaviors among patients with metabolic syndrome. Health promotion programs for behavioral modification in this population should be focused on attitude toward health behavior, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and family support to lead better health outcome.