Predictors of physical activity behavior in female health workers: An application of the developed theory of planned behavior

Physical activity (PA), as a basic factor in a healthy lifestyle, is less than necessary in health system workers such as health workers. Explaining PA by successful perceptual frameworks such as developed theory of planned behavior (TPB) identifies the factors influencing this complex behavior to design effective educational interventions. This study aimed to assess path analyze of PA of health workers based on the developed TPB with planning.

This analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 210 female health workers in Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Data were collected by a valid and reliable TPB-based questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS21 and Lisrel 8.8 software using maximum likelihood method and correlation matrix at a significance level of less than 5%.

A total of 210 female health workers with a mean age of 39.35±8.64 participated. The developed TPB model explained ‌62, 56, 37, and 58% of the variances of behavioral intention, action planning, coping planning, and PA behavior, respectively. The intention was predicted by perceived behavioral control (PBC). Behavior was explained by intention, PBC, and action planning, respectively. Fit indices showed that the developed model was fitted to the data ( =1.58, RMSEA: 0.05, CFI: 1, GFI: 0.98).

Intention, PBC, and action planning, based on the developed TPB, were the constructs influencing PA behavior. It is necessary to consider these structures and the relationships between them in designing educational interventions to promote PA in health workers as a key element in promoting community health.