Increasing regular physical activity behavior is an important national health objective, especially for populations at-risk for sedentary living (USDHHS, 1998). The developmental stage of motherhood is associated with reduced physical activity, and women with low-incomes are more sedentary than women with higher incomes (USDHHS, 1996). Public health nurses who work with low-income mothers in programs like the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) nutrition program can promote physical activity in this at-risk population. The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study was to apply the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Behavior Change (Prochaska, DiClemente & Norcross, 1992) and the concept of social support to the physical activity behavior of WIC mothers (N=30, 6 women at each of the 5 stages of behavior change). There was a positive linear relationship between stage of behavior change and self-report of physical activity behavior (Pearson r=.73, p < 0.01). Pearson correlation coefficient's between stage of behavior change and total scores for self-efficacy (r=.56), social support (r=.63), pros (r=.56), cons (r=-.52) and a ratio of pros/cons (r=.56) were each statistically significant (p<.01). Pros and cons to physical activity in this population were identified. Findings support application of the TTM in this population and provide direction for planning a physical activity behavior change intervention for sedentary WIC mothers.
Learning Objectives: After this session, the participant will: 1) describe the application of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Behavior Change to the physical activity behavior of WIC mothers; and 2) evaluate the relevance of the TTM in helping WIC mothers to adopt and maintain regular physical activity
Keywords: Behavioral Research, Physical Activity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.