Using the transtheoretical model as a predictors of physical activity among overweight adults with serious mental illness
Poster B128, Friday, October 21, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Ahmed Jerome Romain1, Amal Abdel-Baki1,2,3; 1University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), 2University of Montreal, 3University Hospital of Montreal (CHUM)
Purpose: To analyse whether the transtheoretical model (TTM) and its components are related to physical activity (PA) practice. Methods: 41 participants (23 males; mean age: 29.58±7.08; mean BMI: 32.67±6.18 kg/m²) with serious mental illness (SMI) referred to a PA program (of which 21 were early psychosis patients) completed questionnaires assessing the TTM components: decisional balance (advantages and disavantages of exercise), self-efficacy, and processes of change (experiential and behavioral). Physical activity was evaluated with the GPAQ questionnaire with the assistance of a research assistant. Results: 43% of participants were physically inactive. Active participants were more likely to use behavioral processes of change (p = 0.003) and perceived more advantages to exercise (p = 0.001). Total physical activity was correlated with age (r = 0.48; p = 0.006), perceived advantages of exercise (r = 0.36; p = 0.02), experiential (r = 0.39; p = 0.01) and behavioral (r = 0.48; p = 0.001) processes of change. When entered in a forward stepwise regression, only age (p = 0.03) and behavioral processes (p = 0.04) significantly explained PA practice (R² of 33%). Conclusion: These results are similar to previous studies realized in schizophrenia and suggest that TTM components should be considered when designing PA interventions. A particular emphasis should be given to advices tailored on behavioral processes of change (e.g., create “if then” plans”) to improve physical activity.
Topic Area: Psychosocial Interventions