Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Social support is from the most important predictors of the people physical and mental health. The purpose of the present study is determination of the relationship between the perceived social support and obesity preventive eating behavior in women of Urmia City.

Methods: The present analytical and descriptive study was performed on 124 women covered by Urmia city health centers. Two health centers were selected by a cluster sampling method and a written consent for participation in the study was obtained. The data was collected by using the demographic information and Zimet social support questionnaires and also eating behaviors check list. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software version 18 using descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance and simple Linear regression.

Results: The regression analyzes results indicated that the social support factors and full perceived social support could predict nearly 41/3%, and 42/5% of the observed scattering in eating behavior variable, respectively. . Also, the correlation between social support and it’s factors with obesity preventive eating behavior in studied women was significant (p<0/001).

Conclusions: Family and close relatives are effective factors in shaping eating behaviors, therefore their social support would be one of the best ways to promote healthy eating behaviors in the community.