Effects of an empowerment program for promoting physical activity in middle-aged women: an application of the health action process approach

BackgroundSedentary lifestyle is known to be a potential risk factor for chronic diseases. Given the vital role that physical activity plays in the prevention of chronic diseases in middle-aged women, this study was conducted to develop the intention for performing physical activity among middle-aged women based on the motivational phase constructs of the health action process approach model.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 160 middle-aged women of Jovein, Iran, in 2016. Subjects were randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling method, and assigned to the control (n=80) and intervention (n=80) groups. The motivational phase constructs of the health action process approach and physical activity intention were measured at three stages; before the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and 1 month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software with the Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation, ANOVA, and Friedman tests.ResultsOne month after the intervention, the number of women with an intention to engage in physical activity was significantly higher in the intervention group (n=56, 73.6%) compared to the control group (n=23, 29.8%) (P<0.001). Immediately following the intervention and 1 month after the intervention, all motivational phase constructs were significantly increased in the intervention group compared to before the intervention (P<0.001). However, no significant change was observed in the control group. Moreover, immediately following the intervention and 1 month after the intervention, all motivational phase constructs were significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001).ConclusionThe results demonstrate the effectiveness of empowerment program based on the motivational phase constructs of the health action process approach on developing the intention for performing physical activity among middle-aged women.