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Dynamic conceptual framework to investigate adoption of healthy diet through agent-based modelling

Jamal Rahmani (Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran)
Jalaledin Mirzay Razaz (Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran)
Naser Kalantari (Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran)
Leandro M.T. Garcia (Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK)
Seyed Peyman Shariatpanahi (Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)
Hiba Bawadi (Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar)
Jacqueline Y. Thompson (Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK)
Paul M. Ryan (School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland)
Heitor O. Santos (School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlandia, Brazil)
Arezoo Haghighian Roudsari (Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran) (Department of Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran)

British Food Journal

ISSN: 0007-070X

Article publication date: 17 February 2021

Issue publication date: 13 July 2021

403

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a dynamic conceptual framework depicting factors related to the adoption of a healthy diet, which will underpin the development of an agent-based model (ABM) to uncover the dynamic interplay between these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework was developed in three steps using available empirical data from a semi-structured in-depth interview qualitative study, comprehensive systematic literature searches, existing theories and models and expert opinions from across the world.

Findings

The conceptual framework explicitly presents intention as the key determinant of the tendency to adopt a healthy diet. Intention is determined by demographic, psychological and behavioural factors and individual dietary mindset factors and dynamically affected by social environment and the person's past behaviour. The relationship between intention and behaviour is dynamically moderated by perceived control factors (price and accessibility of healthy food and time).

Originality/value

The conceptual framework developed in this study is well supported by evidence and experts' opinions. This conceptual framework will be used to design the ABM of this study, and it can be used in future investigations on the tendency to adopt healthy diet and food choices.

Keywords

Citation

Rahmani, J., Mirzay Razaz, J., Kalantari, N., Garcia, L.M.T., Shariatpanahi, S.P., Bawadi, H., Thompson, J.Y., Ryan, P.M., Santos, H.O. and Haghighian Roudsari, A. (2021), "Dynamic conceptual framework to investigate adoption of healthy diet through agent-based modelling", British Food Journal, Vol. 123 No. 8, pp. 2743-2755. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-09-2020-0828

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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