The relationship between self-efficacy and stage of change and physical activity behavior in postpartum women

Postpartum women are a population at risk for sedentary life. Previous studies have shown that self-efficacy is an important determinant of stage of change and exercise adherence. This study evaluates the relationship between self-efficacy and stage of change and physical activity (PA) behavior in Iranian mothers. In this cross-sectional study، 300 postpartum mothers were selected randomly from all health centers in Arak. The instruments used in this study included the 7-day PA recall، stages of exercise adoption tool، and self-efficacy for exercise scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Ninety-one percent of the participants were in the pre-contemplation، contemplation، and preparation stages of change. Mean score for moderate PA was 38. 94±40. 5 minutes a week. Significant relationships were found between the stages of PA behavior change and METs of weekly energy expenditure from moderate activities (r=0. 60، P<0. 001). Also، statistically significant relationships were found between self-efficacy and the stages of PA behavior change (r=0. 50، P<0. 001); weekly energy expenditure from moderate activities (r=0. 40، P<0. 001)، and pre-pregnancy PA behavior (r=0. 39، P<0. 001). The level of PA of the participants was less than the recommended minimum level for regular PA behavior (150 minutes of moderately intense PA per week). In this population، self-efficacy plays an important role in PA behavior and it should be taken into consideration in designing interventions for improving PA behavior.