Application of Trans-theoretical Model to identify determinants of physical activity behavior in college students

Background: Trans-theoretical Model is one of theoretical approaches for promotion and maintenance of physical activity behaviors and assumes behavior change as a process which progress through the definite stages. This study was conducted to examine the "Application of Trans-theoretical Model to identify determinant of physical activity behavior in college students" in 2012. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was performed with participation of 200 college students of Gilan-e Gharb colleges. Simple random sampling method was used for selection of participants. Data gathering instrument was a Questionnaire that includes: Exercise Change Questionnaire (SECQ), as well as self-efficacy for physical activity and decisional balance questions. Test-retest method was used for reliability of SECQ and internal consistency method for self-efficacy and decisional balance questions (.82, .72, and .77, respectively). Data was analyzed using SPSS19 by use of central indexes, one way ANOVA, chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient and regression. Results: Generally, the distribution of individuals according to the physical activity stages was as follow: pre-contemplation 42%, contemplation 13%, preparation 15%, action 11.5%, and maintenance 18.5%. Average physical activity in week was 150.6 minutes. The amount of physical activity through the stages of physical activity (from pre-contemplation to maintenance) showed an increasing trend. Stages of change, Self-efficacy and Decisional balance were significant predictors for physical activity. Conclusion: Regarding to importance of Trans-theoretical Model in determine stages of behavior change and identifying determinants of physical activity behavior, we propose applying educational intervention based on Trans-theoretical model for promoting physical activity of college students. Keywords: Physical activity, Self-efficacy, Trans-theoretical Mode