Abstract
High prevalence of physical inactivity in Saudi Arabia is a major public health problem that contributed to the increasing lifestyle-related diseases. Thus, interventions to promote and increase exercise are necessary. The Transtheoretical model demonstrated significant impacts in this area, however, effective interventions require psychometrically sound measures. The goal of this study is to develop, assess the psychometric properties, and confirming the factorial invariance of the Arabic versions of the Decisional Balance and Self Efficacy measures for exercise, as well as test their predicted theoretical relationships with Stages of Change with a population-based sample of Saudi adults (N=685). Three levels of invariance were tested: Configural Invariance (nonzero factor loadings unconstrained), Pattern Identity Invariance (equal factor loadings), and Strong Factorial Invariance (equal factor loadings and measurement errors). For Decisional Balance, the two-factor uncorrelated model was the most parsimonious good-fitting model (x2 (35) = 97.803, p < .001; CFI = .922; RMSEA = .076 [90% CI = .058, .093]). Internal consistency coefficient Alpha and factor rho reliability were .86 for Pros and .53 for Cons. Strong Factorial Invariance was a good fit for the model across seven grouping variables: gender, age, health status, educational level, employment status, BMI, and stage of change for exercise. The one-factor model of Self Efficacy Scale revealed an excellent fit (x2 (8) = 16.732, p = .033; CFI = .991; RMSEA = .056 [90% CI = .015, .094]). Internal consistency coefficient alpha was .86 and factor rho reliability was .89. Strong Factorial Invariance was a good fit for the model across all seven grouping variables. Multivariate analysis by stage of change replicated expected patterns for Pros (ω2= .08), Cons (ω2= .02), and Self Efficacy (ω2= .21). The results demonstrate the internal and external validity and measurement invariance of the Arabic versions of TTM measures for exercise, supporting their use in research and tailored interventions to increase exercise among Saudi population, as well as supporting the applicability of the Transtheoretical model to exercise behavior in Saudi Arabia.
Highlights
There is a substantial literature indicating that physical activity can improve both physical and psychological health
The results revealed that the median total metabolic equivalents (METs) minutes/week for leisure time physical activity (LTPA) for both genders was (256 METs minutes/week) compare to the cut off (600 METs-minutes/day) or 150 minutes of moderate intensity 5 or more days/week
The aims of this study are: first, to translate the Stages of change, the Decisional Balance, and the Self Efficacy scales for exercise into Arabic language
Summary
There is a substantial literature indicating that physical activity can improve both physical and psychological health. People who are physically active tend to live longer and have lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It can help with weight control, and may improve academic achievement in students (CDC, 2014). According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity aerobic every week, and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups: legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms (U.S DHHS, 2008).
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