A model-based educational intervention to increase physical activity among Iranian adolescents

Area of Science:

• Health Promotion
• Adolescent Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Adolescent physical activity (PA) is crucial for long-term health.
• Effective interventions are needed to promote PA in this demographic.
• The Health Promotion Model (HPM) and Stages of Change provide theoretical frameworks for behavior modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an educational program designed to increase physical activity (PA) among Iranian adolescents.
• The program integrated the Health Promotion Model (HPM) and Stages of Change.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on PA behavior and HPM constructs.

Main Methods:

• A group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 165 adolescents.
• Participants were assessed using self-reported questionnaires based on HPM constructs and the Stages of Change scale.
• Data were collected at baseline and 3 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in most HPM constructs (benefits of action, barriers to action, self-efficacy, interpersonal influences, situational influences) from baseline to follow-up.
• Adolescents in the intervention group progressed to action or preparation stages of change.
• Multiple regression indicated that competing preferences, social norms, role models, and commitment to action plan significantly predicted PA behavior, explaining 22.5% of the variance.

Conclusions:

• Educational interventions grounded in the Stages of Change model are effective for enhancing PA among adolescents.
• The findings highlight the utility of integrating HPM constructs into PA interventions.
• The study provides a foundation for developing targeted strategies to improve adolescent physical activity.