Determining the Factors Related to Exercise Based on the “Theory of Planned Behavior” in Non-Athlete Boys in Ijrod City of Zanjan

Regular physical activity as an important health promoting behavior can prevent or delay the development of chronic diseases. The purpose of the present study was to determine the factors related to exercising based on the “Theory of Planned Behavior “in boys in in Ijrod City of Zanjan.

The present study is descriptive-correlational. In this research, a sample of 185 boys in the city of Yazd, Zanjan, was selected through Cochran's formula by cluster random sampling. Data were collected through demographic questionnaire and "Planned Behavior Theory Questionnaire" in 6 sections. Content validity Index and reliability were measured by Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed using LISREL software version 8/8 and SPSS.22.

Attitude to exercise (β = 32.5) and control of perceived behavior about exercise (β = 31.1) has a positive correlation with the intention to exercise. In addition, the subjective norm to exercise (β = 27.9) has positive and direct correlation with the intention to exercise. Controlling perceived behavior about exercise (β=27.1) was indirect correlation with exercise by intention to exercise (β = 62.0).

Attitude to exercise and subjective norms about exercising by explaining more than 88% of the variance in the intention to exercise was an important factor in explaining the intention to exercise. Therefore, it is suggested that factors associated with attitude and subjective norms regarding the exercise of non-athlete boys should be considered in order to maintain exercise.