Accomplishments

HKBU Communication scholars win paper award for predicting healthy eating of Danish adolescents

Professor Kara Chan, Professor of Communication Studies of the School of Communication, and Mr Lennon Tsang, Lecturer of the School of Communication, won a Highly Commended Paper Award at the Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2013 for their co-authored paper "Using Theory of Planned Behavior to predict healthy eating of Danish adolescents" with two Danish scholars.

The study surveyed 410 students aged 11 to 16 years studying in Grade 6 to Grade 10 in Denmark on their healthy eating behaviour. Research findings showed that perceived behavioural control followed by attitudes were the most important factors in predicting behavioural intention. Females and adolescents with a higher BMI were also found to have a stronger behavioural intention. Healthy eating was perceived to be beneficial and useful, and to a lesser extent, interesting and desirable.

The research also revealed that family, TV programmes and teachers were influential socialisation agents, so they should be made aware of their role in fostering healthy eating behaviours in adolescents. The research concluded that as perceived behavioural control was the strongest predictor of behavioural intention, interventions and messages communicated to adolescents on healthy eating should empower them with knowledge, ability and determination to eat healthily.

Professor Chan's research papers have received commendations in the past. This is the fifth time that she has won an Emerald Literati Network award. Professor Chan said: "This study is an extension of a Hong Kong study on healthy eating among adolescents. It was found that adolescents did not find healthy eating fun and interesting. There is a need to change this attitude and make healthy eating an interesting and enjoyable experience for them."

The award was presented by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Every year, Emerald Literati Network invites each journal's editorial team to nominate what they believe has been that title’s Outstanding Paper and up to three Highly Commended Papers from the previous 12 months. The Health Education editorial team chose the "Using Theory of Planned Behavior to predict healthy eating of Danish adolescents" as an award winner because it was one of the most impressive pieces of work that the team had seen throughout 2013.

	Professor Kara Chan (right) and Mr Lennon Tsang win a Highly Commended Paper award