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pp.104-114
In this study, we investigated protection motivation and behavioral intention to prevent serious illnesses related to excessive sodium intake among the university students in Gyeongnam and Busan. Within the protection motivation theory (PMT) framework, a survey questionnaire was developed to measure participants’ perceptions on the severity of and the vulnerability to the threat of serious diseases due to the high sodium intake as well as the effectiveness of preventive measures (response efficacy), and the ability to perform them (self-efficacy) along with their willingness to follow recommendations (behavioral intention). Data was collected in June 2015. Study participants were divided into either low (n=117) or high (n=177) sodium intake behavior groups based on their current behaviors. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to measure construct validity and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to check reliability of measurement items. The high sodium intake behavior group perceived higher vulnerability than the low sodium intake behavior group among four PMT factors. Differences of the other three factors were not significant between the two groups. The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy and response efficacy affected behavioral intention of high sodium intake behavior among students. Hence, development of strategies to increase self-efficacy and response efficacy are strongly recommended.
