Apa Youngpradith. A causal model of promoting leisure-time physical activity among middle-aged Thai women . Doctoral Degree(Nursing). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
A causal model of promoting leisure-time physical activity among middle-aged Thai women
Abstract:
Non-communicable diseases are the most compelling health problems among
middle-aged Thai women. To prevent them, the Center of Disease Control and
Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults
should accumulate at least 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity
5 days per week. Despite programs designed to promote physical activity, only 20% of
Thai women perform regular physical activity. Promoting active lifestyles is a
significant role of community nurses, therefore, a better understanding about factors
influencing leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), is needed among middle-aged Thai
women.
The purpose of this study was to develop a causal model to explain LTPA
among middle-aged Thai women. The Women’s Leisure-Time Physical Activity
Promotion Model, based on the Health Promotion Model and Self-Efficacy Theory,
included four predictors: 1) interpersonal influences composed of social support,
social norms, and modeling; 2) perceived benefits; 3) perceived barriers, and 4)
perceived self-efficacy. Multi-stage random sampling was employed to obtain a
sample of 300 women aged 40-59 years residing in Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand. A
self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect data. The SPSS and LISREL
programs were used for data analyses.
Results revealed that 43.3% of the sample met the physical activity
recommendations. The model fit the data well and explained 55% of the variance of
the women’s LTPA. Perceived self-efficacy was the most powerful predictor and had
a positive direct effect on LTPA. Interpersonal influences, perceived benefits, and
perceived barriers had indirect effects on LTPA through perceived self-efficacy. These
three factors accounted for 70% of the variance in perceived self-efficacy.
Interpersonal influences had a positive direct effect on perceived benefits, a negative
direct effect on perceived barriers, and a positive direct effect on perceived selfefficacy.
The study results indicate that enhancing self-efficacy is needed to promote
LTPA in middle-aged women. The programs should include strategies such as
motivation to achieve performance, verbal encouragement, and reinforcement of the
advantages of the LTPA. Campaigns employing those strategies should be held
continuously and they should involve influential role models such as friends, family
members, and health care providers. These strategies are important for community
health nurses as well as nurses working in hospitals and clinics to promote regular
physical activity among middle-aged Thai women