In the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, authors Fatemeh Rahmati-Najarkolaei, Sedigheh Sadat Tavafian, Mohammed Gholami Fesharaki and Mohammed Reza Jafari studied factors predicting nutrition and physical activity behaviors with the concern of cardiovascular disease in Tehran University students. This explanatory application study aims to identify the important predictors of nutrition and physical activity in relation to cardiovascular disease in students of Tehran University. (Rahmati-Najarkolaei, Tavafian, Fesharaki, & Jafari 2014). Participants, Tehran University students studying in the majors of humanities, basic sciences, and technical-engineering in different grades of MS, MSC, and PhD through the ages of 18 to 55, were given self-administered
…show more content…
So, in many developing countries that are more inclined to lean toward these behaviors, like Iran in this case, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability (Rahmati-Najarkolaei, 2014). To define, cardiovascular diseases are heart conditions that are characterized by diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots. Some major risk factors include hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and diabetes; all hugely affected by behavior. As prevention methods, lifestyle changes that address factors such as nutrition and physical activity are crucial in assuaging cardiovascular disease levels. So, the specific behavior that the study is concentrating on is simply, nutrition and physical activity. Although the importance of good nutrition and exercise habits is not a secret, some individuals may still not take initiative to incorporate it into their lifestyle while some may do …show more content…
In this study, the researchers utilize the health belief model to predict the Tehran University student’s probability of changing diet and exercise behaviors using five key domains of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy (Rahmati-Najarkolaei, 2014). The questions about perceived susceptibility asked about how vulnerable they thought they were to cardiovascular diseases. Some of younger participants may be in the mindset where they feel like they are invincible to most anything so their perception of susceptibility may be lower. Severity considers how serious people think cardiovascular disease is and how much it can affect them. For example, looking at the consequences like several health complications and death may instill a sense of severity to the disease. Perceived benefits is the belief that the behavior change will bring about positive effects. For this study, it is how much the students think that regular exercise and a proper diet will benefit them and help them reduce their chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Perceived barriers are anything that prevents them going through with the target behavior. People may say that they do not have time to have other responsibilities, or are in an unsuitable environment
So, in many developing countries that are more inclined to lean toward these behaviors, like Iran in this case, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability (Rahmati-Najarkolaei, 2014). To define, cardiovascular diseases are heart conditions that are characterized by diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots. Some major risk factors include hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and diabetes; all hugely affected by behavior. As prevention methods, lifestyle changes that address factors such as nutrition and physical activity are crucial in assuaging cardiovascular disease levels. So, the specific behavior that the study is concentrating on is simply, nutrition and physical activity. Although the importance of good nutrition and exercise habits is not a secret, some individuals may still not take initiative to incorporate it into their lifestyle while some may do …show more content…
In this study, the researchers utilize the health belief model to predict the Tehran University student’s probability of changing diet and exercise behaviors using five key domains of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy (Rahmati-Najarkolaei, 2014). The questions about perceived susceptibility asked about how vulnerable they thought they were to cardiovascular diseases. Some of younger participants may be in the mindset where they feel like they are invincible to most anything so their perception of susceptibility may be lower. Severity considers how serious people think cardiovascular disease is and how much it can affect them. For example, looking at the consequences like several health complications and death may instill a sense of severity to the disease. Perceived benefits is the belief that the behavior change will bring about positive effects. For this study, it is how much the students think that regular exercise and a proper diet will benefit them and help them reduce their chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Perceived barriers are anything that prevents them going through with the target behavior. People may say that they do not have time to have other responsibilities, or are in an unsuitable environment