RESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study examined the applicability of trans-theoretical model (TTM) to understand exercise behavior among female college students in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2007. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. The dependent variables analyzed were exercise efficacy expectation, decisional balance (pros and cons). The independent variable was stage of exercise behavior change. Five hundred and ninety female students representing various disciplines on campus completed a valid and reliable questionnaire (r = 0.78) during regularly scheduled classes. More than seventy-three percent of sample were sedentary (pre-contemplation, contemplation, or preparation) whereas 24.6% were in the action stage (regularly active < 6 months) and 2.2% were in the maintenance stage (regularly active > 6 months). RESULTS: All of the TTM constructs differed significantly across exercise stages. Students in pre-contemplation scored the lowest and those in maintenance stage scored highest on efficacy expectation and pros and reversed on cons. CONCLUSION: Results supported the use of the entire TTM in examining exercise behavior among female college students.
