1Seoul Women's College of Nursing 2Department of Nursing Science, Ewha Womans University
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for the development of weight control programs to maintain and promote healthy behavior in women college students by identifying their weight control behaviors and factors that influence these behaviors. Method: Data were collected from 300 women student participants and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression with the SPSS 18.0 program. Result: Weight control behavior showed a significant difference according to participants' gender role identity type. Weight control behaviors were correlated with self-efficacy, body image, objective BMI, and ideal BMI. Factors influencing weight control behavior were self-efficacy (${beta}$= .449, $p$<.001), secret method for weight loss (${beta}$= .181, $p$<.001), monthly allowance below 200,000 won (${beta}$= .156, $p$= .006), weight control support from others (${beta}$= .124, $p$= .013), eating breakfast (${beta}$= .119, $p$= .015), and age (${beta}$= .113, $p$= .023) with R-sq. value of 45.3%. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that development of interventions for weight control behavior and health education for college women should reflect identified factors influencing weight control behavior and gender role identity.