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