Investigating the Determinants of Physical Activity in Students in Order to Prevent Diabetes based on Planned Behavior Theory

Background: Diabetes is the most common endocrine glands disease. Among the factors contributing to increased incidence of diabetes in adolescents is lack of physical activity. Various studies indicate prevalence of sedentary lifestyle in children and adolescents. Therefore, in this research the factors affecting performing physical activity have been examined with the aim of preventing diabetes using the planned behavior theory in girl students. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 185 female students were chosen through random multistage sampling method. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire consisting of four sections including demographics, awareness about diabetes, the constructs of planned behavior theory about physical activity, and international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Data analysis was performed with the help of SPSS 16, through Pearson correlation coefficient and generalized linear model (GLM). The mean age of the students was 11.51±0.76 years. The mean scores of different components were as follows: awareness (4.85±1.49), attitude (35.84±3.56), mental norms (21.96±4.53), controlling perceived behavior (15.02±2.65), and behavioral intention (15.21±2.50). There was a significant relationship between the intention of performing physical activity and attitude (P<0.001), mental norms (P<0.001), and controlling perceived behavior (P<0.001). The results of fitted GLM showed that only the perceived behavior control construct was significant in terms of predictive power for performing physical activity (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, the intention of performing physical activity had a significant relationship with the constructs of attitude, mental norms, and perceived behavior control.