ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
Food security is essential for maintaining optimal nutritional habits, which involve both the quantity and quality of food consumed. Nutritional habits is one of the components in healthy lifestyle behaviour which described the nutritious food meets the dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. There has been little study into nutritional habits among married people. This study investigates the relationship between various factors—healthy lifestyle attitude (HLA), subjective norm (SN), perceived behavioural control (PBC), perceived severity (PSS), perceived benefits (PBE), and perceived barriers (PBA)—and the adoption of nutritional habits among married individuals in Peninsular Malaysia. It also explores the mediating effect of healthy lifestyle intention (HLI) on these relationships, aiming to identify the most influential factor. Data were collected from 409 married participants across four states using self-administered questionnaires and a multistage sampling technique. The results indicate that PBC, PSS, and PBA significantly correlate with nutritional habits, confirming several hypotheses. Additionally, both HLA and PBC strongly influence HLI, which in turn is positively related to nutritional habits. This research enhances the understanding of the factors influencing nutritional habits among married couples and provides valuable insights into improving dietary practices in this demographic.
Ahmed, F., Al-Amin, A. Q., Mohamad, Z. F., & Chenayah, S. (2016). Agriculture and food security challenge of climate change: a dynamic analysis for policy selection. Scientia Agricola, 73(4), 311-321.
Ahmed, B., & Konje, J. C. (2023). The epidemiology of obesity in reproduction. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 89, 102342.
Ajzen, I. (2011). The theory of planned behaviour: Reactions and reflections. Psychology & health, 26(9), 1113-1127.
Almoraie, N. M., Alothmani, N. M., Alomari, W. D., & Al-Amoudi, A. H. (2024). Addressing nutritional issues and eating behaviours among university students: A narrative review. Nutrition Research Reviews, 1-45.
Ariaratnam, S., Rodzlan Hasani, W. S., Krishnapillai, A. D., Abd Hamid, H. A., Jane Ling, M. Y., Ho, B. K., ... & Mohd Yusoff, M. F. (2020). Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among the elderly in Malaysia: Findings from The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015. Plos one, 15(9), e0238566.
Azmi, M. Y., Junidah, R., Mariam, A. S., Safiah, M. Y., Fatimah, S., Norimah, A. K., ... & Tahir, A. (2009). Body Mass Index (BMI) of Adults: Findings of the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS). Malaysian journal of nutrition, 15(2).
Bardosh, K. (2023). How did the Covid pandemic response harm society? A global evaluation and state of knowledge review (2020-21). A Global Evaluation and State of Knowledge Review (2020-21)(May 14, 2023).
Benson, T. D. (2004). Africa's food and nutrition security situation: where are we and how did we get here? (Vol. 37). Intl Food Policy Res Inst.
Brouwer, A. M., & Mosack, K. E. (2015). Expanding the theory of planned behavior to predict healthy eating behaviors: Exploring a healthy eater identity. Nutrition & Food Science, 45(1), 39-53.
De Carvalho, J., & Chima, F. O. (2014). Applications of structural equation modeling in social sciences research. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 4(1), 6-11.
Devlin, C., & Hendrix, C. S. (2014). Trends and triggers redux: Climate change, rainfall, and interstate conflict. Political Geography, 43, 27-39.
Fanzo, J., McLaren, R., Bellows, A., & Carducci, B. (2023). Challenges and opportunities for increasing the effectiveness of food reformulation and fortification to improve dietary and nutrition outcomes. Food Policy, 119, 102515.
Frayne, B., Pendleton, W., Crush, J., Acquah, B., Battersby-Lennard, J., Bras, E., ... & Zanamwe, L. (2010). The state of urban food insecurity in southern Africa. Urban food security series, 2, 1-54.
Gibney, M., & Sandström, B. (2001). A framework for food-based dietary guidelines in the European Union. Public Health Nutrition, 4(2a), 293-305.
Global Hunger Index (GHI). (2022). Global Hunger Index 2022. Malaysia. Available at: https://www.globalhungerindex.org/malaysia.html.
Hair, J. F., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2013). Partial least squares structural equation modeling: Rigorous applications, better results and higher acceptance. Long range planning, 46(1-2), 1-12.
Hatzikiriakidis, K., Ayton, D., O'Connor, A., Callaway, L., Carmody, S., Skouteris, H., & Green, R. (2023). Barriers and enablers to the implementation of healthy lifestyle interventions for people with disability living in supported accommodation: a systematic review using the consolidated framework for implementation research. Disability and Health Journal, 16(2), 101442.
Hyland, J., Henchion, M. M., Olomo, O., Attard, J., & Gaffey, J. (2024). Sustainable and healthy food consumption in Europe: an analysis of consumer purchase patterns, motivations and barriers towards foods from SFSCs. British Food Journal, 126(4), 1429-1455.
Institute for Public Health. (2014). National health and morbidity survey 2014: Malaysian adult nutrition survey (MANS). Volume 1: Methodology and General Findings. Available at: https://iku.moh.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/NHMS2014-MANS-VOLUME-2-SurveyFindings.pdf.
Jackson, C., Lawton, R., Knapp, P., Raynor, D. K., Conner, M., Lowe, C., & Closs, S. J. (2005). Beyond intention: Do specific plans increase health behaviours in patients in primary care? A study of fruit and vegetable consumption. Social science & medicine, 60(10), 2383-2391.
Jun, J., & Arendt, S. W. (2016). Understanding healthy eating behaviors at casual dining restaurants using the extended theory of planned behavior. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 53, 106-115.
Kasim, N. B. M., Ahmad, M. H. B., Shaharudin, A. B. B., Naidu, B. M., Ying, C. Y., & Aris, T. B. (2018). Food choices among Malaysian adults: Findings from Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2003 and MANS 2014. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 24(1).
Kelder, S. H., Hoelscher, D., & Perry, C. L. (2015). How individuals, environments, and health behaviors interact. Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice, 159, 144-149.
Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30, 607-610.
Liu, Z., Huang, L., Tian, H., Liu, H., Luo, H., Tao, Y., & Peng, L. (2024). The chain mediating role of family health and physical activity in the relationship between life satisfaction and health-promoting lifestyles among young adults in China. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1408988.
Mahmood, J., Rajaram, N. N., & Guinto, R. R. (2022). Addressing food insecurity and climate change in Malaysia: Current evidence and ways forward. The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences: MJMS, 29(6), 1.
Ministry of Health Malaysia. (2016). National Plan of Action for Nutrition of Malaysia III 2016–2025.
Ministry of Health Malaysia. (2020). National Plan of Action for Nutrition of Malaysia III 2016–2025.
Mirnalini Jr, K., Zalilah, M. S., Safiah, M. Y., Tahir, A., Haslinda, S., MY, K. Z., & Normah, H. (2008). Energy and Nutrient Intakes: Findings from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS). Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 14(1), 1-24.
Mohd Zaki, N. A., Rasidi, M. N., Awaluddin, S. M., Hiong, T. G., Ismail, H., & Mohamad Nor, N. S. (2018). Prevalence and characteristic of dietary supplement users in Malaysia: data from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2014. Global Journal of Health Science, 10(12), 127.
Muda, W. M. W., Sundaram, J. K., & Gen, T. Z. (2019). Addressing malnutrition in Malaysia. Khazanah Research Institute: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
National Coordinating Committee of Food and Nutrition (NCCFN). (2017). Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Malaysia. A Report of The Technical Working Group on Nutritional Guidelines. Ministry of Health; Putrajaya, Malaysia
Otekunrin, O. A. (2024). Assessing the Prevalence and Severity of Global Hunger and Food Insecurity: Recent Dynamics and Sub-Saharan Africa’s Burden. Sustainability, 16(12), 4877.
Perry, B., Ciciurkaite, G., Brady, C. F., & Garcia, J. (2016). Partner influence in diet and exercise behaviors: Testing behavior modeling, social control, and normative body size. PLoS One, 11(12), e0169193.
Poh, B. K., Safiah, M. Y., Tahir, A., Siti Haslinda, N., Siti Norazlin, N., Norimah, A. K., ... & Fatimah, S. (2010). Physical Activity Pattern and Energy Expenditure of Malaysian Adults: Findings from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS). Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 16(1).
Practical, G. (2008). An introduction to the basic concepts of food security. FAO: Rome, Italy.
Ramadas, A., Tham, S. M., Lalani, S. A., & Shyam, S. (2021). Diet quality of Malaysians across lifespan: A scoping review of evidence in a multi-ethnic population. Nutrients, 13(4), 1380.
Rosenstock, I. M. (1974). Historical origins of the health belief model. The Health Belief Model and personal health behavior/Charles B. Slack, Inc.
Saadati, K., Kordbageri, M. R., Chaboksavar, F., Jahangasht Ghoozlu, K., Parvizi, S., Shamsalinia, A., ... & Ghaffari, F. (2024). Investigating the mediating role of food involvement in the relationship between eating restrictions, nutritional knowledge, and dietary patterns in adults. Plos one, 19(4), e0301533.
Schwarzer, R. (2008). Modeling health behavior change: How to predict and modify the adoption and maintenance of health behaviors. Applied psychology, 57(1), 1-29.
Sebire, S. J., Toumpakari, Z., Turner, K. M., Cooper, A. R., Page, A. S., Malpass, A., & Andrews, R. C. (2018). “I’ve made this my lifestyle now”: a prospective qualitative study of motivation for lifestyle change among people with newly diagnosed type two diabetes mellitus. BMC public health, 18, 1-10.
Sien, Y. P., Sahril, N., Mutalip, M. H. A., Zaki, N. A. M., & Ghaffar, S. A. (2014). Determinants of dietary supplements use among adolescents in Malaysia. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 26(5_suppl), 36S-43S.
Siti Maryam, M. N., Haslinda, A., Zaremohzzabieh, Z., Jaafar, W. W., & Osman, S. (2023). The Influence of Healthy Lifestyle Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioural Control on Healthy Lifestyle Behaviour among Married Individuals in Malaysia: Exploring the Mediating Role of Healthy Lifestyle Intention. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(17).
Sjoberg, S., Kim, K., & Reicks, M. (2004). Applying the theory of planned behavior to fruit and vegetable consumption by older adults. Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly, 23(4), 35-46.
Sniehotta, F. F., Scholz, U., & Schwarzer, R. (2005). Bridging the intention–behaviour gap: Planning, self-efficacy, and action control in the adoption and maintenance of physical exercise. Psychology & health, 20(2), 143-160.
Spring, C., Garthwaite, K., & Fisher, A. (2022). Containing hunger, contesting injustice? Exploring the transnational growth of foodbanking-and counter-responses-before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food ethics, 7(1), 6.
Story, M., Kaphingst, K. M., Robinson-O'Brien, R., & Glanz, K. (2008). Creating healthy food and eating environments: policy and environmental approaches. Annu. Rev. Public Health, 29(1), 253-272.
Taylor, D., Bury, M., Campling, N., Carter, S., Garfied, S., Newbould, J., & Rennie, T. (2006). A Review of the use of the Health Belief Model (HBM), the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM) to study and predict health related behaviour change. London, UK: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 1-215.
Tee, E. S. (2011). Development and promotion of Malaysian dietary guidelines. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 20(3), 455-461.
Teyhen, D. S., Robbins, D., & Ryan, B. A. (2018). Promoting and sustaining positive personal health behaviors–putting the person first. Military medicine, 183(suppl_3), 213-219.
Yunus, N. A., Russell, G., Muhamad, R., Soh, S. E., & Sturgiss, E. (2023). The perceptions of healthcare practitioners on obesity management in Peninsular Malaysia: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 744.
Wan Abdul Manan, W. M., Firdaus, N., Safiah, M. Y., Haslinda, S., Poh, B. K., Norimah, A. K., ... & Fasiah, W. (2012). Meal patterns of malaysian adults: findings from the Malaysian adults nutrition survey (MANS). Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 18(2).
Wolf, E. J., Harrington, K. M., Clark, S. L., & Miller, M. W. (2013). Sample size requirements for structural equation models: An evaluation of power, bias, and solution propriety. Educational and psychological measurement, 73(6), 913-934.
World Health Organization. (2013). Trade, foreign policy, diplomacy and health: Glossary of globalization, trade, and health terms. Retrieved August, 7, 2013. Available from: http://www.who.int/trade/glossary/story028/en/.
World Health Organization. (2015). European food and nutrition action plan 2015–2020.
World Health Organization. (2022). The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2022: Repurposing food and agricultural policies to make healthy diets more affordable (Vol. 2022). Food & Agriculture Org.
Nor, S. M. M., Abdullah, H., Jaafar, W. M. W., Osman, S., & Zaremohzzabieh, Z. (2024). Food Security in Nutritional Habits among Married People Using the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior in Peninsular Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(12), 809–823.
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode