Health Action Process Approach Model Research Articles

Evaluating an Expanded Health Action Process Approach Model of Health Promotion to Predict Physical Activity Levels of Individuals With Chronic Health Conditions and Disabilities

Physical activity is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. This study evaluated autonomous motivation and social support for exercise in addition to the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model as predictors of physical activity among people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. This is secondary data analysis. Participants were 982 U.S. individuals with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Hierarchical regression analysis (HRA) was used to assess variable impact sequentially, and a serial multiple mediation analysis (SMMA) was utilized to test mediation effect. The HAPA model constructs, autonomous motivation, and social support for exercise accounted for 35% of the variance in physical activity scores, a large effect size. Commitment was the strongest predictor, followed by autonomous motivation and self-efficacy. SMMA results indicated that autonomous motivation was associated with self-efficacy and commitment, and these factors were significantly associated with physical activity. Self-efficacy and commitment significantly mediated the relationship between autonomous motivation and physical activity. Autonomous motivation thus plays an important role in predicting the physical activity levels of adults with disabilities, warranting the inclusion of an autonomy construct in the HAPA model.

Application of an Adapted Health Action Process Approach Model to Predict Engagement With a Digital Mental Health Website: Cross-Sectional Study.

Digital Mental Health (DMH) tools are an effective, readily accessible, and affordable form of mental health support. However, sustained engagement with DMH is suboptimal, with limited research on DMH engagement. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) is an empirically supported theory of health behavior adoption and maintenance. Whether this model also explains DMH tool engagement remains unknown. This study examined whether an adapted HAPA model predicted engagement with DMH via a self-guided website. Visitors to the Mental Health America (MHA) website were invited to complete a brief survey measuring HAPA constructs. This cross-sectional study tested the adapted HAPA model with data collected using voluntary response sampling from 16,078 sessions (15,619 unique IP addresses from United States residents) on the MHA website from October 2021 through February 2022. Model fit was examined via structural equation modeling in predicting two engagement outcomes: (1) choice to engage with DMH (ie, spending 3 or more seconds on an MHA page, excluding screening pages) and (2) level of engagement (ie, time spent on MHA pages and number of pages visited, both excluding screening pages). Participants chose to engage with the MHA website in 94.3% (15,161/16,078) of the sessions. Perceived need (β=.66; P<.001), outcome expectancies (β=.49; P<.001), self-efficacy (β=.44; P<.001), and perceived risk (β=.17-.18; P<.001) significantly predicted intention, and intention (β=.77; P<.001) significantly predicted planning. Planning was not significantly associated with choice to engage (β=.03; P=.18). Within participants who chose to engage, the association between planning with level of engagement was statistically significant (β=.12; P<.001). Model fit indices for both engagement outcomes were poor, with the adapted HAPA model accounting for only 0.1% and 1.4% of the variance in choice to engage and level of engagement, respectively. Our data suggest that the HAPA model did not predict engagement with DMH via a self-guided website. More research is needed to identify appropriate theoretical frameworks and practical strategies (eg, digital design) to optimize DMH tool engagement.

Physical Activity Interventions Framed by the Health Action Process Approach for Adults with Long-Term Conditions: A Scoping Review.

Interventions that use the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model show promise for increasing PA frequency, duration, and intensity. However, there is limited understanding of how HAPA model variables have been operationalized for PA interventions in chronic disease to promote behavior change and sustained PA or whether the phase or continuous form of the HAPA model was used. The aim of this scoping review is to describe how the HAPA model variables for PA interventions were operationalized and provide details of implementation. We searched five databases to identify studies published between January 1992 and March 2024. We aimed to describe (1) the characteristics of interventions including setting, delivery mode, duration, and content; (2) which HAPA variables were operationalized and the strategies used; and (3) the physical activity measures and outcome effects. The search identified 23 interventions in 30 papers (12 protocols, 3 quasi-experimental studies, and 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)). Seven of the 15 RCTs reported significant positive effects of the HAPA model on PA behavior outcomes. Interventions operationalized between three and nine HAPA constructs showed significant variability in how the HAPA model is used in intervention research. PA measures varied from self-report to validated objective instruments. We found a lack of clarity in decisions about which HAPA constructs were included in interventions. The wide variability in operationalized HAPA constructs made it challenging to compare interventions. Researchers should provide more detail about intervention design and implementation procedures to enhance transparency.

Effect of an Intervention Based on the Health Action Process Approach Model on Mobile Phone Addiction in Adolescents

Background: Mobile phone addiction in adolescents is a serious social problem that not only negatively affects physical and mental health but also hinders social stability and development. However, studies on interventions for mobile phone addiction in adolescents are still few. Therefore, exploring interventions for mobile phone addiction in adolescents and scrutinizing the corresponding mechanism of action are crucial. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on 800 adolescents who were recruited using random sampling from communities in Hubei Province, China in 2023, and 232 of them were identified to have mobile phone addiction. Then, they were randomly divided into the experiment group, comprising 119 members, and the control group, composed of 113 members. The experiment group was given a 3-month intervention under the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, whereas the control group was given no intervention. Results: This intervention significantly reduced the level of mobile phone addiction in adolescents (P&lt;0.05). It also significantly improved self-efficacy in adolescents with mobile phone addiction (P&lt;0.05). The intervention can significantly improved life satisfaction in adolescents with mobile phone addiction (P&lt;0.05). Self-efficacy and life satisfaction had a chain mediating effect (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The HAPA model is conducive to alleviating mobile phone addiction. It further enhances the intervention effect by improving self-efficacy and life satisfaction in adolescents.

Players are positive regarding injury prevention exercise programmes, but coaches need ongoing support: a survey-based evaluation using the Health Action Process Approach model across one season in amateur and youth football

ObjectivesImplementation of injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) in sports is challenging, and behaviour change among players and coaches is essential for success. The aim was to describe players’ and coaches’...

Attitude to Co-Administration of Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines among Pregnant Women Exploring the Health Action Process Approach Model.

Respiratory tract diseases caused by influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 can represent a serious threat to the health of pregnant women. Immunological remodulation for fetus tolerance and physiological changes in the gestational chamber expose both mother and child to fearful complications and a high risk of hospitalization. Vaccines to protect pregnant women from influenza and COVID-19 are strongly recommended and vaccine co-administration could be advantageous to increase coverage of both vaccines. The attitude to accept both vaccines is affected by several factors: social, cultural, and cognitive-behavioral. In Palermo, Italy, during the 2021-2022 influenza season, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate pregnant women's intention to adhere to co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The determinants of vaccination attitude were investigated through the administration of a questionnaire and the Health Action Process Approach theory was adopted to explore the cognitive behavioral aspects. Overall, 120 pregnant women were enrolled; mean age 32 years, 98.2% (n = 118) of Italian nationality and 25.2% (n = 30) with obstetric or pathological conditions of pregnancy at risk. Factors significantly associated with the attitude to co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women were: high level of education (OR = 13.96; p < 0.001), positive outcome expectations (OR = 2.84; p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (OR = 3.1; p < 0.001). Effective strategies to promote the co-administration of the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine should be based on the communication of the benefits and positive outcomes of vaccine co-administration and on the adequate information of pregnant women.

The relationship between exercise intention, behavioural plans, and exercise behaviour among Korean college students using the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA)

ABSTRACT This study was tests whether action plan mediates the relationship between exercise intention and exercise behaviour, and whether this mediation depends on the level of action self-efficacy, maintenance self-efficacy, and action control, using the HAPA model. The participants were 467 university students (269 males, 198 females, mean age 20.99 ± 2.06 years) who completed measures assessing their exercise intentions, action plan, action self-efficacy, maintenance self-efficacy, action control, and exercise behaviour. Data were analysed using hierarchical regression procedures in terms of moderated mediation. The results showed that action plan partially mediated the relationship between exercise intention and exercise behaviour. Action control × maintenance self-efficacy interaction showed that the strength of exercise intention-exercise behaviour relationship progressed linearly through levels of action plan and maintenance self-efficacy. These findings imply that exercise interventions for university students should focus on simultaneously bolstering action plan, action control, and maintenance self-efficacy.

Coaches of youth field sports as delivery agents of injury prevention programmes: how are we training the trainers? A scoping review

ObjectiveTo systematically map the coach education (CE) component of injury prevention programmes (IPPs) for youth field sports by identifying and synthesising the design, content and facilitation strategies used to address...

Evaluation of Social-Cognitive Determinants of Patients’ Hand Hygiene Decisions and the Role of Mental Health in a Cross-Sectional and a Longitudinal Study of German Patients

Patients’ effective hand hygiene helps to reduce healthcare-associated infections and prevents the spread of nosocomial infections and communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. Accordingly, this study aimed to describe effective hand hygiene decisions based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) and whether this pattern is invariant for mental health. Data were collected cross-sectionally from patients who had previously been admitted to a hospital (Nstudy 1 = 279; study 1) and longitudinally from psychosomatic rehabilitation patients (Nstudy 1 = 1073; study 2). The fit of the HAPA framework and changes in hand hygiene decisions regarding compliance, social-cognitive variables of the HAPA, and mental health status were examined. The results revealed that the trimmed HAPA framework fitted the data well (χ2 = 27.1, df = 12, p &lt; 0.01, CMIN/df = 2.26, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.08). According to multi-group structural equation modeling, the HAPA model with hand hygiene behavior was found to be invariant regarding mental health. To conclude, the trimmed HAPA framework was revealed to be a generic framework for explaining social-cognitive processes relating to hand hygiene decisions. Therefore, helping individuals to perform hand hygiene recommendations requires intention formation and bridging the intention–behavior gap. This can be undertaken by promoting planning and self-efficacy. All processes appear generic to participants with and without mental health challenges.

The effect of nutritional education based on the health action process approach (HAPA) on the pregnancy outcomes among malnourished pregnant mothers

ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of nutritional education based on the health action process approach (HAPA) on pregnancy outcomes among malnourished pregnant mothers utilizing nutritional support.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, 234 malnourished pregnant women under nutritional support from the fourth month of pregnancy participated. Participants were randomly allocated in study groups by the balance block randomization method. Data were collected using a socio-demographic and pregnancy outcomes checklist as well as self-devised questionnaire assessing the constructs of the HAPA model before and three months after the educational intervention. The framework of the educational intervention was based on the constructs of the HAPA and included three one-hour training sessions through lectures, group discussions, ‘question and answer’ sessions, and the use of educational tools. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and SPSS software.ResultsPregnancy outcomes including optimal weight gain during pregnancy (p = 0.47), neonate’s birth weight (p = 0.58), gestational age at delivery (p = 0.83), type of delivery (p = 0.48) gestational anemia (p = 0.22), diabetes (p = 0.59) and hypertension (p = 0.29) were not significantly different in the intervention and control groups. The results showed that the educational intervention produced a significant increase in the total score (24 points) in the intervention group. Improvement of scores in the intervention group compared to the control was observed in all of the model constructs except outcome expectation (0.68 decrease). The educational intervention in the present study had a large measure of effect in total (SMD: 2.69, partial eta2: 0.664).ConclusionA nutritional education intervention based on the HAPA model for malnourished pregnant women increased behavioral intention and planning for action to have better nutritional behavior. However, the intervention did not change the pregnancy outcomes significantly.Practice implicationsNutritional education based on the HAPA model can be used to improve nutritional behaviors of malnourished pregnant women.

A Menu-based Nursing Intervention Using the Health Action Process Approach Model on the Stress Response and Postoperative Rehabilitation after Liver Cancer Surgery

We investigated the effects of a menu-based nursing intervention using the health actionprocess approach (HAPA) model on patient stress response and postoperative rehabilitation after livercancer surgery. Methods: We randomly assigned 120 patients with liver cancer to intervention (N=60)or control groups (N=60). Intervention patients received a menu-based nursing intervention using theHAPA model; control patients received routine care. We measured physiological and psychological stressresponses using C-reactive protein (CRP) and cortisol (Cor) levels and the Hamilton anxiety rating scale(HAMA) and the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD). Results: Intervention group HAMA and theHAMD scores were lower than the control group’s (p &lt; .05). Postoperative intervention group CRP andCor levels were lower than control group levels at 1 and 3 days (p &lt; .05). Those in the intervention grouphad a shorter time until their first exhaust and meal and a shorter hospital stay than those in the controlgroup (p &lt; .05). Self-management ability and quality of life scores of the intervention group were higherthan for the control group (p &lt; .05). Conclusion: The menu-based nursing intervention using the HAPAmodel can reduce postoperative stress response and complications and accelerate postoperative recovery.

Older Veterans' perspectives on participation in a clinical exercise program: A qualitative study of the VA Gerofit exercise program.

We explored the perspectives of older veterans in Gerofit, a Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) supervised clinical exercise program, to understand the factors associated with participation and how the program supported personal health goals. Twenty semistructured interviews were conducted with active and inactive Gerofit participants. We used a hybrid inductive and deductive approach to thematic analysis of transcripts, with the latter informed by the Health Action Process Approach model of behavior change. Active and inactive participants differed in their perspectives about how Gerofit impacted their progress toward meeting personal health goals. Active participants noted program features (e.g., schedule, staffing) as facilitators and suggested greater self-efficacy about program participation compared to inactive participants. Both groups perceived the camaraderie with other veterans as a facilitator. Exercise program features, including camaraderie, are important factors that affect the ability of older veterans to participate in exercise and achieve personal health goals.

Social cognitive predictors of regular dental visits and mouth self-examination behaviors among the elderly population: An application of the health action process approach model.

The present study aimed to identify the social cognitive predictors of regular dental visits and mouth self-examination behaviors among the elderly population, based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model. Regular dental visits and mouth self-examination can prevent oral and dental problems among the elders. Little information is available regarding the social cognitive predictive factors of these two behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 municipality centers in Tehran, Iran in 2021. The centers were selected randomly using a multi-stage cluster sampling method and 301 elderly attendants aged 60≥years participated in the study. Data collection was done using a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic characteristics and the HAPA model constructs for two target behaviors. Data were analyzed using the Smart-PLS version 3.3.9 via correlation and PLS-SEM analysis. The mean age of the participants was 65.3±5.33 years and 79.7% were female. The SEM analysis showed that Action Self-Efficacy [b (SD) = 0.595 (0.065), P< 0.001] and Risk Perception [b (SD) = 0.218 (0.070), P< 0.002] were predictors of Intention for mouth self-examination but only Action Self-Efficacy [b (SD) = 0.651 (0.043), P< 0.001] was predictor of Intention for regular dental visits. Recovery Self-Efficacy and Planning directly contributed to the prediction of Mouth Self-Examination. The relationship between Maintenance Self-Efficacy and both behaviors is mediated by Planning. Also, the mediating role of Planning between Intention and target behaviors was confirmed. Action self-efficacy predicted the intention for regular dental visits and mouth self-examination behaviors. The relationship between intention and both behaviors was mediated by Planning. Emphasis on improving Action Self-Efficacy and Intention formation will enhance the effectiveness of interventions aiming at promoting the oral health of the elderly population.

Effects of a Web-Based Behavioral Activation Intervention on Depressive Symptoms, Activation, Motivation, and Volition: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Behavioral activation (BA) is effective for the treatment of depression. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), which is derived from health psychology, can provide a motivational-volitional framework of BA. Objective: This study investigated the efficacy of a HAPA-based internet-delivered BA intervention (iBA; called InterAKTIV) in individuals with depression, also assessing HAPA-based motivational and volitional outcomes. Methods: In a two-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial with a parallel design, 128 participants with a major depressive episode were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG; TAU + immediate access to iBA) or control group (CG; TAU + access to iBA after follow-up). The primary outcome of clinician-rated depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline (T1), 8 weeks (T2), 6-month after randomization (T3). Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: Linear mixed model analyses revealed a significant group*time interaction effect on clinician-rated depressive symptoms favoring the IG (F_{2, 156.0} = 7.40; p < 0.001, d = 0.79 at T2, d = 0.25 at T3). The IG was also superior regarding self-rated depressive symptoms, BA, most motivational, and all volitional outcomes. Conclusion: This study shows that HAPA-based iBA can significantly improve clinician-rated depressive symptoms, as well as outcomes used in the HAPA model in people with depression. Building on these efficacy results, in the next step, the relationship between BA interventions and activity levels should be investigated, taking into account motivation and volition as potential mediators.

Effectiveness of Theory-Based Intervention on Knowledge Level, Psychological Constructs, Metabolic Index and Physical Activity Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Application of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) Model

Effectiveness of Theory-Based Intervention on Knowledge Level, Psychological Constructs, Metabolic Index and Physical Activity Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Application of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) Model

Covariates of a healthy diet and physical activity self-management one year after Bariatric surgery: A cross-sectional study.

Healthy diet and physical activity self-management is important in maintaining weight loss and preventing weight regain after bariatric surgery. We aimed at evaluating covariates of healthy diet and physical activity self-management among patients undergone bariatric surgery using Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model. In this cross-sectional study, 272 patients with a history of bariatric surgery were selected from the data registry of Tehran Obesity Treatment Study (TOTS). Data were collected using bariatric surgery self-management standard questionnaire (BSSQ), and items based on HAPA model for healthy diet and physical activity self-management. Data were analyzed using Path analysis and AMOS version 24. The mean score of self-management was (32 ± 10SD). Coping planning construct (β = 0.22; p<0.001) and risk perception (β = 0.02; p<0.01) in dietary self-management and action planning (β = 0.16; p = 0.001) and risk perception (β = 0.001; p = 0.17) in physical activity self-management had the highest and lowest effect powers, respectively. Coping planning (β = 0.22; p<0.001) and action planning (β = 0.17; p<0.03) in diet, and action planning (β = 0.16; p = 0.010) in physical activity were significantly related to self-management. Also, task-coping self-efficacy (β = 0.28; and p<0.001), outcome expectancies (β = 0.37; p<0.001), risk perception (β = 0.13; p = 0.015) in diet and coping self-efficacy (β = 0.50; p<0.001), outcome expectancies (β = 0.12; p = 0.021) in physical activity were significantly related to behavioral intention. The values of CFI = 0.939 and RMSEA = 0.052 for diet and CFI = 0.948 and RMSEA = 0.048 for physical activity indicated adequate fit. HAPA was applicable as a framework for interventions promoting healthy diet and physical activity self-management in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Factors Influencing Intention on Condom Use During Sexual Intercourse With Regular Female Partners Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Western China: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis.

Given the rapid rise in HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, they may be a potential bridge for HIV transmission to the general female population, and increasing condom use is an important protective measure. This study aimed to explore factors that influence the intention of condom use during sexual intercourse with regular female partners among MSM in Western China, based on the Health Action Process Approach model. This study used a baseline sample from a cohort study of the National Science and Technology Major Project. A nonprobability sampling method was adopted to recruit MSM from western China. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related characteristics, sexual behavior, and constructs of the Health Action Process Approach model was collected through structured questionnaires, and the data were analyzed using a structural equation model. Among 232 participants, 62.9% (146 of 232) intended to use condoms every time they had sex with their regular female partners during the following 3 months. The results of the structural equation model showed that self-efficacy had the greatest influence on behavioral intention (β = 0.398, P < 0.001), followed by negative outcome expectancy (β = -0.303, P < 0.05). In addition, risk perception (β = 0.206, P < 0.05) and positive outcome expectancy (β = 0.270, P < 0.01) had indirect effects on intention, whereas self-efficacy played a mediating role in these indirect influencing factors. Risk perception, outcome expectancy, and self-efficacy are predictors of condom use intention, with self-efficacy in particular serving as a significant medium for future interventions. These findings could provide a reference for future targeted interventions to reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission from MSM to the female population.

Dietary behaviour change intervention for managing sarcopenic obesity among community-dwelling older people: a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe effects of dietary intervention in managing sarcopenic obesity are controversial, and behavior change techniques are lacking in previous studies which are important for the success of dietary intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a dietary behaviour change (DBC) intervention on managing sarcopenic obesity among community-dwelling older people in the community.MethodsA two-armed, RCT was conducted. Sixty community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years old) with sarcopenic obesity were randomised into either the experimental group (n = 30), receiving a 15-week dietary intervention combined with behaviour change techniques guided by the Health Action Process Approach model, or the control group (n = 30), receiving regular health talks. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 experimental group participants to determine the barriers and facilitators of dietary behaviour changes after the intervention.ResultsThe feasibility of the DBC intervention was confirmed by an acceptable recruitment rate (57.14%) and a good retention rate (83.33%). Compared with the control group, the experimental group significantly reduced their body weight (p = 0.027, d = 1.22) and improved their dietary quality (p < 0.001, d = 1.31). A positive improvement in handgrip strength (from 15.37 ± 1.08 kg to 18.21 ± 1.68 kg), waist circumference (from 99.28 ± 1.32 cm to 98.42 ± 1.39 cm), and gait speed (from 0.91 ± 0.02 m/s to 0.99 ± 0.03 m/s) was observed only in the experimental group. However, the skeletal muscle mass index in the experimental group decreased. The interview indicated that behaviour change techniques enhanced the partcipants’ compliance with their dietary regimen, while cultural contextual factors (e.g., family dining style) led to some barriers.ConclusionThe DBC intervention could reduce body weight, and has positive trends in managing handgrip strength, gait speed, and waist circumference. Interestingly, the subtle difference between the two groups in the change of muscle mass index warrants futures investigation. This study demonstrated the potential for employing dietary behaviour change interventions in community healthcare.Trial registrationRegistered retrospectively on ClinicalTrailas.gov (31/12/2020, NCT04690985).

Construction of a questionnaire based on the Health Action Process Approach for psycho-social cognitive determinants of parents in brushing children's teeth in the Netherlands.

The health action process approach (HAPA) model is promising to increase the frequency of brushing children's teeth by parents to improve their children's oral health. A validated HAPA questionnaire is needed as one of the measures of the effects of such an intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether our data, based on a translated and adopted version of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA)-based questionnaire on dental flossing, supported the constructs of the HAPA model. If so, a next aim was to assess whether these constructs could be measured reliably. In this cross-sectional study, 269 questionnaires filled out in dental offices by parents of children 1-10 years old were analysed. Scale validation was performed according to the 6-step protocol of Dima, including Mokken scale analyses (MSA), graded response model (GRM), factor analyses and reliability measures. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to identify divergent validity and test-retest reliability. MSA showed a unidimensional, medium total scale. Three items were removed based on this analysis. The total scale with the remaining 26 items did not fit the GRM. Factor analysis extracted five factors and two components for the total scale. The separate subscales, except the 'intention' construct, fitted the MSA and did not fit the GRM. The data fitted a seven-factor model better than a one-factor model. Reliability measures varied from acceptable to excellent, but were poor for 'action control'. Test-retest reliability (r's 0.60-0.83) was questionable to good. Our results did not fully support the constructs of the HAPA model. To support the HAPA constructs, modification to the subscales risk perceptions, intention, action planning, action control and self-reported behaviour are suggested. With these adjustments, the reliability and validity of the questionnaire could be significantly improved".

Health action process approach: promoting physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake among Australian adults.

Based on the health action process approach (HAPA) this study examined whether changes in social cognition constructs could predict change in physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake for adult participants in My health for life, an Australian health promotion behaviour change program. Variance-based structural equation modelling was used to analyse data obtained from Australian adult program participants (n = 167) at baseline (T1), week 14 (T2), week 26 (T2), and 6-month post-program (T4). Change scores were calculated for the social cognition constructs and behaviour. Changes in action self-efficacy and outcome expectancies positively predicted changes in intentions. Action self-efficacy changes also predicted changes in maintenance self-efficacy which, in turn, mediated the effect of action self-efficacy on recovery self-efficacy and planning. Planning was predicted by changes in intentions and maintenance self-efficacy. Findings support the use of the HAPA model in designing complex health behaviour change interventions to achieve sustained behaviour change.