Predicting exercise behavior among Iranian college students using the Transtheoretical Model and structural equation modeling

Abstract

Despite the many benefits of exercise behavior, physical inactivity is a global health issue. Evaluating the efficacy of behavior change models and identifying the factors that influence exercise behavior in various populations is clearly a research priority. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is a dynamic approach to understanding exercise and physical activity behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the TTM to predict exercise behavior in a sample of Iranian college students. Participants were 418 first year students from Guilan Medical University who completed Iranian versions of the TTM and exercise behavior questionnaires. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlation and path analysis. In the final model, the pathways from the processes of change, exercise self-efficacy and pros of exercise behavior were statistically significant (0.54, 0.20 and -0.11, respectively). The final model accounted for 62% of the variance in current exercise behavior. The findings from this study support the application of TTM in exercise behavior changes among Iranian students.

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