The Relationship between Body Image, Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity in Female Employees of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and University of Isfahan, Iran

Today sedentary life style in Iranian society is known as a serious problem. Increasing physical activity in women’s health promotion and prevention of cardiovascular disease are essential. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between psychological factors (body satisfaction and self-efficacy) and physical activity in female employees. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 female employees of University of Isfahan and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Iran) who were selected by stratified random sampling method in 2012. Data collection tool was a multidimensional questionnaire which comprised of 4 sections as following: Demographics، body satisfaction tool، self-efficacy and physical activity. 71. 6% of women participated in this study had a sedentary life، and only 28. 4% had an active lifestyle. The mean body satisfaction score in the studied women was 63. 2 ± 16. 2 (from 100). Maximum score of body satisfaction belonged to height. On average، there was no significant relationship between physical activity and BMI (body mass index)، but the relationship between physical activity and body satisfaction and self-efficacy was significant (P = 0. 01). The highest correlation was observed between body satisfaction and participation in aerobic classes (P < 0. 001). A significant relationship was found between marital status and physical activity. It seems that despite the awareness of our society about physical activity، women have a sedentary lifestyle. Focus on psychological factors and providing more facilities for physical activity can improve health promoting behaviors of female employees in family and community.