Application of Theoretical Models to Exercise Behavior among Employed Women

Abstract

Purpose. This study examines the utility of three theoretical models—the stages of change model, self-efficacy theory, and the decisional balance model—in understanding exercise behavior among employed women. Design. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected as part of a routine follow-up of a worksite-based smoking and health risk appraisal study. Setting. The study was conducted in three Rhode Island worksites, including one manufacturing company, one medical center, and one retail outlet. Subjects. Of a sample of 431 women who completed exercise questionnaires, 293 reported participation in a physical activity over the previous week. The average age of the sample was 41.1 years, and mean years of education was 12.8. Measures. Previously validated measures to determine stage of exercise behavior, exercise self-efficacy, exercise decisional balance, and physical activity participation were administered. Additional demographic information was also obtained. Results. Frequency counts revealed that 39% of the population was sedentary, 34% were participating in irregular activity, and 27% were active. MANOVAs followed by one way ANOVAs revealed that women in Precontemplation scored the lowest and those in Maintenance scored the highest on the self-efficacy, pro, and decisional-balance indices, with the trend reversed on the con scale. A chi-square test revealed that women with one or more young children in the home were more likely to be in a lower stage of exercise adoption. Conclusions. Most of the women in this cross-sectional study did not engage in regular activity. Presence of young children in the home was significantly related to decreased activity. The results are limited by the nonrandomized, and cross-sectional nature of the study design. Data suggest that, with multiple roles and responsibilities, women may be better served by stage-matched interventions to increase physical activity.