A descriptive correlational study was conducted on 371 fifth-grade students and their parents to identify those variables that influence the child’s enactment of diet and physical activity. The study was completed using the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) as a conceptual framework to explain health behaviors and to determine potential linkages within the model (Cox, 1982). Multiple regression and ANOVA statistical analysis techniques confirmed the model’s usefulness in explaining diet behavior for both male and female school-age children. No other model in the literature was found with this level of prediction. The model explained 46.2% of the variance in diet. Although there were significant correlates for the enactment of physical activity, it appears that there may be a missing link in the model regarding the health behavior of physical activity. Both groups felt positively toward physical activity and were very sure that they could be physically active, but those variables did not explain much of the physical activity actually performed by these fifth-graders. Only 10.2% of the variance in low and high intensity physical activity was explained by the model. It is possible that there may be a “barriers to exercise” and/or a “facilitator of exercise” component that is influential in whether or not a child actually engages in frequent physical activity. More research on children’s health behaviors utilizing the IMCHB as a theoretical framework will help determine if additional constructs need to be added to the model.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the usefulness of the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) in the study of children's enactment of diet behaviors. 2. Recognize difficulties associated with the application of conceptual models in the explanation of children's physical activity.
Keywords: Behavioral Research, Children's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.