RESUMO
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