Features of motivation for health behavior in in cadets: a pilot study experience

Abstract

Development of motivation for healthy behavior among adolescents is of highest priorities for the World Health Organization. According to the theory of planned behavior by Ajzen, health-related behavioral intention is determined by attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control.
Our study aimed to investigate motivation for healthy behavior in cadets compared to school students. In total, 106 cadets and school students (9-11 grade) of Perm, Russia participated in the study. The questionnaire of impaired healthy behavior by E.L. Lutsenko and O.E. Gabelkova was applied together with authors’ questionnaire of motivation for healthy behavior. Student’s T-test for independent samples and regression analyses were performed.
Cadets and school students did not differ in terms of impairments in healthy behavior as well as in motivation for healthy behavior. However, it was found that different factors contribute to the formation of healthy behavior motivation in two groups. Specifically, for cadets the motivation for healthy behavior was influenced by attitudes, whereas perceived behavioral control was more important for school students. Recommendations for development of motivation for healthy behavior in cadets are given.