The Effects of a Walking Leader Program on Walking Knowledge and Self-efficacy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a walking leader program on changes in walking knowledge and self-efficacy. METHODS: The subjects were 276 participants who participated in the nationwide walking leader program 9 times from May to September in 2008. Data were collected before and after the program by an organized questionnaire. RESULTS: 1) Knowledge related to walking exercise increased significantly to 4.14 point from 2.90 point after the program (t=-20.70, p<.001). 2) Self-efficacy related to walking exercise increased significantly to 4.08 point from 3.40 point after the program (t=13.93, p<.001). 3) Significant factors that affected knowledge and self efficacy before the program were regular exercise and subjective health status. The history of chronic disease and smoking were significantly affecting factors to knowledge and self-efficacy after the program. CONCLUSION: The walking leader program promoted the participants' walking knowledge and self-efficacy. It is necessary to develop more specific programs tailored to socio-demographic characteristics of participants and to make efforts to increase participants with active public information.