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Published on: March 7, 2019
Intention-behavior relationship based on epidemiologic indices: an application to physical activity.
1Laval University, Québec, Canada. gaston.godin@fsi.ulaval.ca
American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|February 7, 2008
Summary
Physical activity intention is a moderate predictor of behavior. Health programs should address why high intenders do not act to bridge the intention-behavior gap.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Understanding the intention-behavior relationship is crucial for promoting physical activity.
- Existing research often relies on simple correlations, limiting nuanced understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of standard epidemiologic indices in analyzing the physical activity intention-behavior link.
- To quantify the predictive accuracy of intention for physical activity behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized six prospective physical activity datasets from the UK and Canada.
- Included diverse populations (students, employees) across various settings (schools, workplaces).
- Assessed intention and behavior via questionnaires, dichotomized data, and computed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PV+), and negative predictive value (PV-).
Main Results:
- High sensitivity (86.3%) indicated that active individuals typically had a positive intention.
- Specificity (49.5%) revealed a substantial proportion of inactive individuals also held positive intentions.
- Low intention strongly predicted inactivity (PV- = 88.1%), while positive intention moderately predicted activity (PV+ = 45.5%).
Conclusions:
- Intention is a moderate predictor of physical activity behavior.
- The intention-behavior gap is largely due to high intenders not initiating action.
- Health promotion strategies should focus on factors moderating the intention-behavior relationship.
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