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Application of the health belief model to study weight management behavioral intentions among adults in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A cross-sectional study

Updated: Oct 6

The latest conducted by Associate Professor Vo Tat Thang, HAPRI's Director, this study applies the Health Belief Model (HBM), a widely used behavioral framework, to understand the psychological and social factors that shape adults’ intentions to manage their weight.


Overweight and obesity are growing public health concerns worldwide, and Vietnam is no exception. In Ho Chi Minh City, one of the country’s most urbanized areas, about one in five adults is now overweight or obese. This trend raises the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. Despite increased awareness, many interventions still struggle due to low participation and weak adherence to healthy behaviors.


The health belief model

The HBM suggests that health-related behaviors are influenced by several key perceptions:

  • Perceived threat: how serious and likely people believe the health risks of overweight and obesity are

  • Perceived self-efficacy: confidence in one’s ability to exercise or diet effectively

  • Perceived barriers and benefits: the challenges people expect to face compared to the benefits they perceive

  • Cues to action: triggers that motivate people to act, such as health messages or advice from peers

In addition, demographic and personal characteristics such as education, gender, marital status, BMI, and past dieting experience can shape these perceptions.


Key findings

  • Perceived threat is important. Adults who recognize the risks of being overweight are 2.5 times more likely to intend to manage their weight.

  • Self-efficacy drives action. Confidence in exercise increases the likelihood of weight management intentions more than twofold.

  • Education plays a major role. College graduates are over seven times more likely to have weight management intentions compared to those with only elementary education.

  • Gender differences are clear. Women are three times more likely than men to intend to manage their weight.

  • Marital status influences behavior. Married adults are less likely to show weight management intentions compared to unmarried individuals.

  • Experience and BMI matter. Adults with prior dieting experience and higher BMI are more motivated to engage in weight management.


Policy implications

The study highlights that effective weight management interventions require more than promoting diet and exercise. They should also address perceptions and build confidence.

  • Strengthen public health campaigns to emphasize the risks of obesity and the benefits of weight control

  • Promote exercise confidence through community programs and supportive environments

  • Leverage education to improve long-term health literacy

  • Design targeted programs for demographic groups such as married adults who may deprioritize personal health

  • Personalize strategies by considering individuals’ BMI, prior dieting experience, and psychological readiness

By addressing both the behavioral and structural aspects, Vietnam can design interventions that are more sustainable and culturally appropriate.


Keywords:

  • Health belief model

  • Overweight

  • Obesity

  • Weight management

  • Vietnam

Link:

Citation:

  • Vo, T. T., & Le, Q.-D. (2025). Application of the health belief model to study weight management behavioral intentions among adults in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 2436.


Thanh Trúc


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