Stages of change in two modes of health-enhancing physical activity: methodological aspects and promotional implications

Measurement scales for stages of change were developed and the stages were assessed in two specific modes of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) in a cross-sectional survey (N = 1516); representative samples were selected from three age groups, i.e. from three phases of adult life. Outdoor Aer...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health education research 2000-08, Vol.15 (4), p.435-448
Main Authors: Miilunpalo, S., Nupponen, R., Laitakari, J., Marttila, J., Paronen, O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic Achievement
Adoption
Adult
Algorithms
Behavior Change
Behavior Modification
Cohort Studies
Content Validity
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise
Female
Finland
Health Promotion
Health technology assessment
Humans
Intention
Life Style
Male
Middle Aged
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Physical Activities
Physical activity
Stages of change
Surveys and Questionnaires
Validity
Citations: Items that cite this one
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Summary:Measurement scales for stages of change were developed and the stages were assessed in two specific modes of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) in a cross-sectional survey (N = 1516); representative samples were selected from three age groups, i.e. from three phases of adult life. Outdoor Aerobic Exercise (OAE) was used as an example of fitness activity; Everyday Commuting Activity (ECA) was selected to represent lifestyle physical activity. Scales used by the Prochaska team were modified for this study, and the stages of Precontemplation and Preparation were each divided into two new stages. Consistency of the stage measurement was moderate for OAE and good for ECA. As regards content validity, consistent associations were found between stage scores and contextual variables for both behaviors. The results show that, at a given time, a person can be in different stages in different modes of HEPA. Therefore, the behavior of interest must be specified before accurate information on the stages of change in a population can be obtained. The results also indicate the importance of contextual factors in HEPA promotion.
ISSN:0268-1153
1465-3648
1465-3648
DOI:10.1093/her/15.4.435