COLLEGIANS’ READINESS TO CONSUME GRAINS: THE TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL OF CHANGE AS A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

A descriptive predictive design was used to guide this study. The study was conducted in Al-Qadisiyah University. The study included a convenience sample of 400 undergraduate students. The study instrument includes students sociodemographic sheet of age, gender, marital status, and grade. It also includes Stages of Change Scale for Grain Consumption, The Decisional Balance Scale for Grain Consumption, The Self-Efficacy Scale for Grain Consumption. Data Collection: Data were collected using an online google form for the period from March 5th, 2021 to April 22nd, 2021. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science, version 26. The descriptive statistical measures of frequency, percent, mean, and standard deviation were used to describe subjects sociodemographic characteristics. The inferential statistical measures of linear regression, Independent-Sample T-Test, and One-Way Analysis of Variance. The study results revealed that around a half were in the Contemplation Stage of Change for consuming grains, followed by those who are in the Preparation Stage of Change, and those who are in the Maintenance Stage of Change. According to the findings, the higher the family's socioeconomic position, the higher the perceived value of eating grains. Grains consumption has more drawbacks when one's BMI rises. There is a need by the community health nurses; in collaboration with Iraqi Ministry of Health and Mass Media, to initiate health education materials that raise the health awareness of individuals who are both overweight and obese about the vital role of consuming grain. There is a need to incorporate materials that highlight the vital role of consuming each of grain regularly into the curricula of various educational levels in Iraq.