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The purpose of this study was to investigate which factors predicted the intention to eat healthier food. The empirical data stem from a questionnaire survey carried out among 527 young adults aged 23-26 years living in Oslo, Norway. The study was carried out in September 1991. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used as a guiding theoretical framework. The components of the TPB accounted for 32% of the variance in behavioral intention. Attitude was the strongest predictor, followed by perceived behavioral control. Subjective norm received the lowest weight A detailed analysis of the underlying cognitive structures revealed that the outcomes which discriminated most strongly between those who intended to eat healthier food, those who were undecided and those who had no intention, were that healthier food would improve the shape of the body, increase enjoyment of food and reduce weight In addition, the control beliefs 'weight', 'able to make healthier dishes', 'social eating' and 'busy' discriminated mostly between the three intender groups. These outcomes might preferably be addressed in persuasive communications to change intentions to eat healthier food.

In this study, the Theory of Reasoned Action was applied for two different purposes: (i) to explain and predict seat-belt usage among young adolescents, and (ii) to investigate the specific cognitions underlying the decision to use seat belts. A detailed analysis of these cognitions may provide clues as to which beliefs one should try to change in order to improve seat-belt usage among young adolescents. The decision to wear seat belts was under attitudinal control in the front seat, while it was under both attitudinal and normative control in the back seat. However, prior use of seat belts was the single most powerful predictor of intention. There was a striking consistency in the difference between high intenders and low intenders with regard to the specific underlying cognitions. The most promising 'messages' for persuasive communication appears to be that use of seat belts has an injury reducing effect and makes one feel safe when driving.

The authors report on their study of the dimensionality of the 21-item Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS) scale among 1827 Norwegians aged 17-19 years. 1172 of the subjects had experience sexual intercourse. Dimensionality was studied in terms of factor analysis internal consistency reliability and construct validity using external criteria. Factor analysis indicated that the SOS scale represents four separate and distinct dimensions which could be meaningfully interpreted. The construct validity procedure seemed to confirm the multidimensionality of the scale so the subscales correlated differentiality with external criteria.

This paper describes contraceptive practices among Norwegian adolescents. The data stem from a survey of a random sample of 3000 adolescents ages 17-19 and yielded a response rate of 60.9%. On the most recent occasion when intercourse took place every 5th adolescent did not use contraception; 1 in 3 used a condom and approximately 40% reported having used the pill. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among both boys and girls nonuse of contraception increased with alcohol consumption prior to intercourse. Among girls utilization of contraception was positively associated with educational aspirations whereas nonutilization was associated with number of sexual partners during the previous year. Among both boys and girls condom use declined with increasing age but was positively associated with both increased age at 1st intercourse and condom use at 1st intercourse experience. Use of a condom most frequently occurred in relationships which had lasted for a period of between 1 week-6 months. Condom use was not assoc iated with intake of alcohol prior to intercourse. A total of 33.4% of the girls and 43.3% of the boys reported that they had engaged in casual sex. Approximately 1 in 4 used a condom on the most recent occasion whereas approximately 4 of 10 did not use any contraception. It is concluded that a substantial proportion of adolescents indulge in high risk practices both for unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover despite the more prominent place given to matters of sexuality in schools and health centers during the last few decades the proportion of nonusers of contraception seems to not have decreased substantially. It is therefore clearly imp ortant to develop health promotion activities capable of reaching those groups of adolescents who fail to use contraception. (authors modified)