Factors affecting physical activity behavior based on. Transtheoretical Model in the employees of Birjand universitiesin 2014

Physical activity is an effective health behavior not only to prevent various health problems but also to promote healthy lifestyle. Transtheoretical model (TTM) is one of the models applied to assess physical activity behavior. The aim of the current study was to investigate factors affecting physical activity behavior among employees of Birjand universities, based on the model. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 employees in deputies of Research and Education sectors in Birjand universities, who were recruited through Census method. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire including demographic variables and having the constructs of Transtheoretical model. The questionnaire was completed through self-reported method. Validity of the questionnaire was tested by experts regarding its face and content validity. The questionnaire`s reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and correlation coefficient through test-retest method. The obtained data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Kruscal-Wallis and post hoc Tukey's test using SPSS software (V: 16) and P<0.05 was taken as the significant level. Mean age of the participants was 36.9 ± 8.9 yrs. Out of 200 subjects 90 (45%) were male. Among the participants 14% were in precontemplation stage, 28% in contemplation, 29% in preparation, 7.8% in the action, and 21.2% in maintenance stage of physical activity behavior. ANOVA test revealed a significant difference between the physical activity stage of change and pros, decisional balance, process of change, self-efficacy (p<0.001). Since the majority of employees had a sedentary lifestyle, it is a necessity to conduct some planned interventions in order to promote their physical activity behavior. Regarding this, interventions based on transtheoretical model can be helpful.