ABSTRACT
Background: The importance of increasing adolescence girl's level of physical activity is recognized as a priority for having a healthy lifestyle. However, adolescent girls especially Iranian, are at high risk for physical inactivity. Social Cognitive Theory [SCT] is a successful theory to explain physical activity behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of physical activity based on the SCT
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescent girls [15-16 yr old] in Tehran, Iran [2013]. The participants were randomly chosen with multistage sampling. The SCT constructs consisted of self-efficacy, self-regulation, social support, outcome expectancy, and self-efficacy to overcoming impediments. Statistical analysis was carried out applying SPSS: 16, LISREL 8.8. Stepwise regression was used to test predictors of behavior. Pearson correlation was assessed
Results: Self efficacy to overcoming impediments was the main construct to predict physical activity [Beta=0.37]. Other determinants were self-efficacy [Beta=0.29], family support [beta=0.14], outcome expectancy [beta=0.13], friend support [beta=0.12], and self-regulation [beta=0.11], respectively. In general, the SCT questionnaire determined 0.85 variation of physical activity behavior. All of the constructs had direct significant relation to physical activity behavior [P<0.001]
Conclusions: The constructs of SCT provide a suitable framework to perform promoting physical activity programs and self-efficacy to overcoming impediments and self-efficacy are the best predictors of physical activity in adolescent girls
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It is crucial to assess communication skills among health workers using valid culture-based instruments. This study aimed to develop and assess psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Communication Skills Scale among Zanjan Health Volunteers. In this study, a total of 191 health volunteers participated in a self-rating assessment of the Communication Skills Scale [CSS]. Moreover, 14 experts were asked to rate each item based on the relevance, clarity, and simplicity. Through a literature review, we developed an instrument with 43 items. The validity of the instrument was determined using the impact item method, content validity ratio [CVR], content validity index [CVI], face validity and exploratory factor analysis. Reliability of the instrument was reported by Alpha Cronbach coefficient. The CSS finally contained 35 items, divided into two categories: general and specific communication skills. Of 43 items, those with impact item index over 1.5, CVR over 0.51, and CVI over 0.79 were considered as valid; while the rest were discarded resulting in a 35-item scale. Factor analysis was carried out to determine the relationship among the items of the CSS. Exploratory factor analysis reduced the list of items to 30, which were divided into seven groups with a minimum eigenvalue of 1 for each factor, capable of predicting 68.8% of the variance. Internal reliability of the scale was determined by alpha Cronbach coefficient [0.91]. The results of this study indicated that the CSS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessment of the communication skills among health volunteers in Zanjan. These findings could be used for developing similar instruments in other health worker groups
ABSTRACT
With no effective vaccine for prevention or a definite cure for treatment, health education is considered the most effective intervention against HIV. Using a valid tool to evaluate the effect of health education interventions is an inevitable necessity. The aim of this study was to design a tool and to assess its validity and reliability based on native culture characterization in order to evaluate the health belief model constructs about AIDS. 480 women covered by health bases of the city of Zanjan, in the age group of 20-30 years, married, and with at least first middle school education participated in this cross-sectional study. After reviewing the literature, the tool was designed and its validity and reliability was approved based on psychometric processes and feedback from the target group and a panel of experts through calculating the content validity ratio, content validity index, exploratory factor analysis, and determining internal consistency. The validity of 37 items were assessed and selected through calculating the index score of the item effect above 1.5, content validity index ratio greater than 0.49, and content validity index higher than 0.79 and by using exploratory factor analysis with a special value greater than 1; seven factors and 34 items were kept and classified into five categories based on literature review and content items. The reliability of the research tool was calculated with Cronbach's alpha equal to 0.82. The results of this study provide appropriate evidence about the strength of structural factors and the reliability of the assessment tool for structures of health belief models about AIDS, and the creation of accessibility to a reliable tool for assessing the structures of health belief model.
ABSTRACT
Regular physical activity is ranked as a leading health indicator. Despite the extensive benefits of physical activity, elder people are much less active than desired. Using Theory of Planned Behavior [TPB] and the self-efficacy construct, this study examined the prediction of physical activity intention and behavior in a sample of elderly male resident of a nursing home. In a cross-sectional study of the residents of Kahrizak Nursing Home in Tehran, Iran, elderly men who were 60 years or older, capable of independent living, mobility, and verbal communication were asked to complete measures of the TPB, self-efficacy and physical activity behavior. A hierarchical step-wise multiple regression analysis indicated that affective/instrumental attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control [PBC] explained 32.8% of the variance in physical activity intention, and self efficacy provided an additional 2.7%. In a reverse step regression, the TPB variables explained an additional 12.2% of physical activity intention. In a multiple regression analysis on physical activity behavior, affective/instrumental attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control [PBC] and intention explained 15.7% of the variance in physical activity behavior while self-efficacy contributed an additional 5.6%. In the reverse step regression, TPB predictors contributed an additional 3.0% in explaining the variance in physical activity behavior. The results indicate that in addition to the TPB, self-efficacy may also play an important role in the prediction of behavior, and should be included in the design of physical activity programs for elderly men of nursing home residents
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BACKGROUND: Findings of most studies indicate that the only way to control diabetes and prevent its debilitating effects is through the continuous performance of self-care behaviors. Physical activity is a non-pharmacological method of diabetes treatment and because of its positive effects on diabetic patients, it is being increasingly considered by researchers and practitioners. This study aimed at determining factors influencing physical activity among diabetic women in Iran, using the extended theory of reasoned action in Iran. METHODS: A sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes, referring to a Diabetes Clinic in Khoy, Iran, participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the desired variables (knowledge of diabetes, personal beliefs, subjective norms, perceived self-efficacy, behavioral intention and physical activity behavior). The reliability and validity of the instruments were examined and approved. Statistical analyses of the study were conducted by inferential statistical techniques (independent t-test, correlations and regressions) using the SPSS package. RESULTS: The findings of this investigation indicated that among the constructs of the model, self efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions among women with type 2 diabetes and both directly and indirectly affected physical activity. In addition to self efficacy, diabetic patients' physical activity also was influenced by other variables of the model and sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the high ability of the theory of reasoned action extended by self-efficacy in forecasting and explaining physical activity can be a base for educational intervention. Educational interventions based on the proposed model are necessary for improving diabetics' physical activity behavior and controlling disease.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Diabetes Mellitus , Forecasting , Intention , Iran , Motor Activity , Reproducibility of Results , Self Care , Self EfficacyABSTRACT
To determine the efficacy of the TTM to predict exercise behavior in a sample of Iranian college students. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were 418 first year students of Guilan University of Medical Sciences who completed Iranian versions of the TTM and exercise behavior questionnaires. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlation and path analysis. In the final model, path coefficient for the processes of change [behavioral strategy], self-efficacy in exercise and pros were 0.54, 0.20 and -0.11 respectively. The model accounted for 38% of the variance for predicting current exercise behavior. The study findings support the application of TTM in exercise behavior changes among Iranian students
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To develop a safety climate questionnaire for use in Iran, and examine its validity and reliability. A 31- item safety climate questionnaire was developed after a scientific literature review and consultation with occupational health and safety experts. 410 workers in several industrial sectors responded to the questionnaire. A 20-item questionnaire measuring safety climate was extracted from the original 31 items. Exploratory factor analyses and inter-item consistency were applied to examine construct validity and reliability. Comparisons of safety climate scores among various groups by age, years of work experience and accident history were used to test discriminant validity. The analysis showed that the safety climate questionnaire loaded on seven different factors: management commitment, safety communication, safety environment, manager's responsibility, risk perception, job satisfaction and safety awareness. These factors explained the 71.5% variance. Coefficients of inter-item consistency met psychometric requirement. Significant differences on some safety climate scales and accidental involvement and job history were detected. Management commitment, safety communication, safety environment are important factors in safety climate measurement in Iranian workers. Safety climate measurement among Iranian workers with this 20-item questionnaire is a valid and reliable measure
Subject(s)
Humans , Safety , Surveys and Questionnaires , Occupational Injuries , Occupational HealthABSTRACT
To investigate the individual factors which lead to the occurrence of high risk behaviors among HIV/AIDS patients and vulnerable people. This was a qualitative study approach carried out in 10 month in two public counseling clinic in Tehran. Data were obtained from 102 in depth and semi-structured interviews. A convenience sample of HIV/AIDS patients, clients and specialist took part in the study. Interviews were transcripted and then open coding and axial coding were performed. In all 69 HIV/AIDS patients and 19 high risk clients, 6 family members and 8 experts were interviewed. The majority of participants were male and single. Sexual high risk behaviors and drug use were the commonest ways of HIV/AIDS transition. Individual factors predisposing HIV/AIDS high risk behaviors included: 1. Predisposing perceptions. 2.Personal factors. 3. Decision and will. The results indicated that the beliefs, decision and individual factors might be the most underlying contributing to high risk behaviors