Research On The Physical Activity Of Beijing Adolescents Based On The Trans-theoretical Model

Abstract

Background Due to the increasing academic pressure, the leisure physical activity of Chinese youth decreased year by year. Moderate exercise promotes the growth and development of children and adolescents. The trans-theoretical model (TTM) has important guiding significance for the study of adolescents’PA. PURPOSE: TTM is an integrative model of intentional change consisting of stages of change, processes of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy. We based on the TTM to investigate the participation of PA among adolescents in Beijing, aiming to explore the factors affecting the level of PA of Chinese adolescents, and provide a theoretical basis for future intervention studies. METHODS: We used the method of sampling survey to investigate the current situation of youth PA in different regions of Beijing. A total of 944 participants (594 women, 350 men), with a mean age of 13.24 ± 0.74 years and a mean body mass index of 20.22 ± 4.04 kg/m2 were included. TTM was investigated using the stages of change scale, the processes of change scale, the decisional balance scale, and the self-efficacy in exercise scale. PA level was assessed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Hierarchical multiple regression models were performed with the total score of PA as dependent variables, demographic variables and TTM as independent variables to test the prediction of PA level. RESULTS: The prediction model of the PA level using demographic variables is not significant, F(7,936) < 1, P = 0.808. After adding the TTM variable, the prediction model was significant, F(12,931) = 69.035, P = 0.000. Body mass index(β = 0.012), behavioral processes of change(β = 0.474) and self-efficacy(β = 0.185) were significant predictors. Age(β = 0.003), gender(β = -0.006), single-parent family(β = -0.046), only-child family(β = 0.028), father' education(β = -0.019), mother' education(β = -0.011), experiential processes of change(β = -0.099), pros scores(β = -0.038) and cons scores(β = -0.031) were not significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: A cross-theoretical model can measure the health behavior change of adolescents' healthy behavior. TTM can also predict the real health behavior changes of adolescents in Beijing.