Compensatory health beliefs influence dietary intentions when self-efficacy levels are low in an eHealth intervention

Abstract

Background: Fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) has high potential reducing cardiovascular risk. However, compensatory health beliefs (CHBs) have been found to interfere with behavior change, which makes it difficult to adopt and maintain the recommended behavior even if supported by an eHealth intervention. Methods: N=915 participants (M=50.80 years, SD=13.19, Range 19-83), 63.5% male) were recruited in cardiac rehabilitation facilities, heart training groups and internet platforms in Germany and the Netherlands. Patient characteristics, social-cognitive variables and compensatory health beliefs were investigated via an eHealth program. Data analysis was done with SPSS 22. Findings: Self-efficacy was positively correlated with FVC intention (r=.56, p<.001). The effect of CHBs on intention was moderated by self-efficacy (b=0.15, p=.014): CHBs negatively predicted intention at low levels of self-efficacy only. Discussion: Improving healthy eating by an eHealth intervention may require first to work on self-efficacy to set the stage for successful behavior change. However, CHBs should also be worked on in the eHealth intervention to diminish negative effects of CHBs when forming intentions to eat healthily.