Pre-action Stages Research Articles

Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Availability in Hispanic Head Start Families with Preschool-aged Children Living in an Urban Midwestern Area

Objective Determine relationships between self-efficacy, decisional balance, and processes of change and Stages of Change (SOC) related to fruit and vegetable (FV) availability among Hispanic Head Start parents. Design A 2-phase descriptive study with mixed methodology. Setting Two Head Start sites in a city in the midwestern United States. Participants Convenience sample of Hispanic Head Start parents/guardians recruited to complete a FV survey and focus groups. Main Outcome Measures Amount of FV served; distribution of participants between SOC; level of self-efficacy, decisional balance, and use of cognitive and behavioral processes. Analysis Analysis of variance was conducted using the SOC as the independent variable and Transtheoretical Model construct scales as dependent variables. Significance was set at P < .05. Focus groups were analyzed using content analysis. Results Of the 113 participants, 60% were in pre-action stages. Compared to those of parents in higher stages, intentions of parents in lower stages to serve more FV were impeded by cost and preparation time ( P = .028). Focus groups confirmed low self-efficacy as the common barrier to serving more FV. Conclusions and Implications Nutrition education for low-income Hispanic parents should include components focused on increasing self-efficacy and minimizing perceived barriers; quick and tasty FV recipes; shopping for economical FV; and promoting parental role modeling.

Physical Activity and Stages of Change: A Longitudinal Test in Types 1 and 2 Diabetes Samples

The transtheoretical model's (TTM's) ability to predict physical activity stage transitions that incorporates all social-cognitive constructs from the original model has not been conducted among adults with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to test the capacity of the TTM for predicting physical activity stage transitions among adults (≥18 years of age) with type 1 (N = 517) or type 2 (N = 1,157) diabetes over 6 months. Participants were identified by a random-digit dialing telephone protocol through the Alberta Diabetes Registry. Assessments of TTM's stage of physical activity behavior change, self-efficacy, pros and cons, cognitive Processes of Change, and behavioral Processes of Change at baseline (time 1) and 6 months (time 2) were assessed by questionnaire. Over this time period, participants were categorized as having regressed (moved back at least one stage), remained (no stage change), or progressed (moved forward at least one stage). Baseline TTM constructs were analyzed for their ability to predict transition over 6 months. Moderate support for the TTM constructs in predicting physical activity stage transitions was found. Self-efficacy, pros, and behavioral Processes of Change hold relatively strong predictive power for stage progression over 6 months, with very few differences found between the types 1 and 2 diabetes groups. The capacity of the model in predicting stage transition is partially supported. When promoting physical activity among adults with diabetes, targeting self-efficacy, pros, and cognitive Processes of Change may favorably support stage transition in the pre-action stages, while strategies to enhance the behavioral Processes of Change may be appropriate for the Action and Maintenance stages.

The Effect of Nutrition Education on the Improvement of Psychosocial Factors Related to Vegetable and Fruit Intake of Elementary School Children in Pre-Action Stages

This study investigates the change of level of psychosocial factors of decisional balance, processes of change, and self-efficacy after nutrition education on vegetable and fruit intake of children in pre-action stages. Forty-seven 5th grade elementary school children in Yeongi-Gun, Chungnam-Do were categorized into pre-action stages from a total of 71 children by four-stage questions, and then finally into two stages of precontemplation and contemplation & preparation. After 6 weeks nutrition education, recognition of both of pros and cons of vegetable intake were improved in the two groups of precontemplation and contemplation & preparation. In fruits intake, however, recognition of pros was not changed after nutrition education in either stage, but recognition of cons was improved only in the precontemplation stage. However, no difference in any psychosocial variables was found between precontemplation stage and contemplation & preparation stage. After the nutrition education, the score of consciousness raising of vegetable intake belonging to cognitive process of change increased in the subjects of the precontemplation stage, wheres the scores of dramatic relief, self-reevaluation, environment reevaluation and social liberation increased in the group of contemplation & preparation. In fruit intake, however, no change was found except in the environment reevaluation in the precontemplation group. The behavioral process of change of vegetable and fruit intake did not show any change in either group after nutrition education. Self-efficacy scores of vegetable intake of keeping the foods at hand, eating the recommended number of servings and making time to eat increased in the precontemplation group, while in the contemplation & preparation group, self efficacy scores of shopping for a variety of vegetables, instead of keeping the foods at hands, as well as the scores of the rest two items of eating the recommended number of servings and making time to eat increased after nutrition education. However, in case of fruits intake, no difference was shown in the precontemplation stage except an item of keeping the foods at hand. The results indicated that the stage of change was progressed in the pre-action stage after nutrition education and the scores of many psychosocial factors increased in both pre-action stages. It is suggested that the recognition of cons as well as the cognitive process of change and self-efficacy could be best used as indicators of the assessment of nutrition education program for vegetable intake.

Progressive stage transition does mean getting better: a further test of the Transtheoretical Model in recovery from alcohol problems

To test two central assumptions of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) regarding recovery from alcohol problems: (i) individuals making a forward transition from pre-action to action stages will show greater drinking improvements than those remaining in pre-action stages; and (ii) individuals remaining in pre-action stages will not demonstrate improvements in drinking outcomes. Large, multi-centre, randomized controlled trial of treatment for alcohol problems [United Kingdom Alcohol Treatment Trial (UKATT)]. Stage of change, drinks per drinking day and percentage days abstinent at baseline, 3- and 12-month follow-ups. In support of TTM assumption 1, improvements in drinking outcomes were consistently greater among clients who showed a forward stage transition (Cohen's d = 0.68) than among those who did not (d = 0.10). Two tests of assumption 2 showed a significant improvement in drinking outcomes in non-transition groups, inconsistent with the TTM; one test showed a significant deterioration and the other showed equivalent drinking outcomes across time. An explanation is offered as to why, under the relevant assumption of the TTM, clients in non-transition groups showed small changes in drinking outcomes. In contrast to a previous study by Callaghan and colleagues, our findings largely support the TTM account of recovery from alcohol problems in treatment. The discrepancy can be explained by the use in our study of a more reliable and valid method for assigning stage of change.

Recovery and URICA stage-of-change scores in three marijuana treatment studies

Data from three outpatient studies of treatment of marijuana dependence were used to test whether behavior change parallels stage movement in the transtheoretical model of change (TMC). This study examined one putative assumption of the TMC: individuals remaining in the preaction stages of change (i.e., precontemplation and contemplation) across time would show little change in their marijuana use. The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) measure and two recent stage assignment algorithms were utilized to assess TMC stage status at baseline and end of treatment. The primary analyses employed paired-sample t tests of statistical equivalence and sign tests, and 34 out of the 36 tests demonstrated that individuals remaining in the preaction stages of change over the treatment period showed clinically important and statistically significant treatment outcomes. Clinicians and researchers should exercise caution in their use of URICA-based indices as meaningful markers of the recovery process. Better methods to measure stage status and test the TMC are needed if the model is to be used to guide substance abuse interventions.

A Food Safety Education Campaign for Young Adults

ISEE-867 Objective: To develop a social marketing campaign to promote safe food handling behaviors among young adults (18–26 years) enrolled in higher education. Material and Methods: To assist in campaign development, focus groups were held with young adults (n = 52) and barriers to receiving food safety (FS) messages; a description of how to best capture interest in FS; and message delivery preferences were identified. Results: Based on focus group feedback, the campaign was designed to focus on a targeted behaviors, provide concrete examples for improving behaviors, be serious but lighthearted in tone, and be personalized to young adults. Information overload, time constraints, and apathy were identified as major barriers to receptiveness to FS messages, while message simplicity and personalization were recommended for overcoming these barriers. A nationwide survey of young adults (n = 4343) and focus groups with FS experts (n = 7) determined the most salient FS messages for this audience. Identified messages were correct hand washing technique; thermometer use with cooked animal flesh and leftovers; safe refrigerator temperature; and safe handling of take-out foods, bag lunches, and leftovers. Final campaign messages were: Clean—Don't get caught dirty handed, Cook—When the temp is right, take a bite, Chill—Are you cool enough, and Leftovers—Leftovers help keep you alive, but only if you reheat ’em to 165°F. Paired t-tests indicated the campaign, implemented at a major university, significantly improved FS knowledge (P < 0.0001) and advanced the stage of change of those in preaction stages before the campaign (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Designing effective health campaigns involves understanding the target population's needs and addressing them in the format they prefer.

Does progressive stage transition mean getting better? A test of the Transtheoretical Model in alcoholism recovery

To test two central assumptions of stage movement in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) vis-à-vis alcoholism recovery: (assumption 1) individuals making a forward transition to the action-oriented stages (i.e. preparation/action) will manifest relatively greater drinking improvements than their counterparts remaining in the pre-action stages (i.e. pre-contemplation, contemplation); and (assumption 2) individuals remaining in the pre-action stages across time will not demonstrate clinically relevant improvement in drinking outcomes. Secondary data analyses of data from Project MATCH, a large multi-site alcoholism treatment-matching study. At baseline and 3 months post-treatment, the following variables were measured: stage-of-change (based on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment measure and the most recent stage assignment algorithm), drinks per drinking day (DDD) and percentage days abstinent (PDA). Six of the eight tests of assumptions 1 and 2 failed to support the basic tenets of the TTM. Our study demonstrated that individuals making a progressive stage transition to the action-oriented stages (i.e. preparation/action) do not necessarily manifest greater improvements in drinking-related behavior than individuals remaining in the pre-action stages (i.e. pre-contemplation, contemplation), and that individuals remaining in the pre-action stages over time actually do manifest statistically significant and clinically important improvements in drinking-related behavior. Our findings challenge not only the criterion validity associated with stage movement in the TTM account of alcoholism recovery, but also recent TTM-based substance abuse treatment approaches which systematically promote forward stage transition as a primary clinical goal and marker of therapeutic success.

Knowledge and Psychosocial Effects of the Film Super Size Me on Young Adults

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen dramatically over the past 2 decades. Among the many contributing factors is increased consumption of fast foods. Mass media outlets have cited the potential of the film Super Size Me to alter this behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of this film on young adults’ fast-food knowledge and psychosocial measures (ie, attitudes, self-efficacy, healthy weight locus of control, and stage of change) and evaluate the effectiveness of this film as a form of emotional arousal and consciousness-raising. A pretest-posttest follow-up control group design with random assignment was used. Young adults (n=135; 54% female) completed the pretest; approximately 10 days later viewed a film then completed the posttest; and about 9 days later completed the follow-up test. The experimental group (n=80) viewed Super Size Me. The control group (n=55) viewed an unrelated film. Unpaired t tests revealed that the study groups did not differ significantly ( P>0.05) at pretest on any measure. Analysis of covariance, with pretest score as the covariate, revealed the experimental group scored substantially better than the control group at posttest on knowledge and nearly all psychosocial measures. In addition, the experimental group continued to score substantially higher than the control group at follow-up on knowledge, stage of change, and consciousness-raising and lower on external: chance health locus of control. Super Size Me represents a potentially powerful tool for nutrition education. Nutrition practitioners should consider using Super Size Me as a consciousness-raising and emotional arousal change process with patients in pre-action stages of change for reducing fast-food intake.

Who will be active? Predicting exercise stage transitions after hospitalization for coronary artery diseaseThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled Young Investigators' Forum.

We describe transitions between exercise stages of change in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) over a 6-month period following a CAD-related hospitalization and evaluate constructs from Protection Motivation Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, the Ecological Model, and participation in cardiac rehabilitation as correlates of stage transition. Seven hundred eighty-two adults hospitalized with CAD were recruited and administered a baseline survey including assessments of theory-based constructs and exercise stage of change. Mailed surveys were used to gather information concerning exercise stage of change and participation in cardiac rehabilitation 6 months later. Progression from pre-action stages between baseline and 6 month follow-up was associated with greater perceived efficacy of exercise to reduce risk of future disease, fewer barriers to exercise, more access to home exercise equipment, and participation in cardiac rehabilitation. Regression from already active stages between baseline and 6 month follow-up was associated with increased perceived susceptibility to a future CAD-related event, fewer intentions to exercise, lower self-efficacy, and more barriers to exercise.

Consumption of carbonated drinks in adolescents: a transtheoretical analysis

Adolescents consume a high level of carbonated drinks and this may have significant adverse effects for their weight and oral health. Therefore, we examined the application of key constructs of the Transtheoretical Model (stages of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy) and health as a value (both general and oral) to adolescent carbonated drink consumption and to identify any gender differences. A total of 399 adolescents (mean age 12.57 years, SD=1.54) completed a questionnaire measuring: stage of change, decisional balance, self-efficacy, carbonated drink consumption and attitudes to health and healthy teeth. Over half of the adolescents (55%) were classified into one of the pre-action stages (i.e. precontemplation or contemplation) and males were more likely to be represented in the precontemplation stage than females. Significant associations with stage of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy were found, though there was no association with attitudes to health (general or oral). The findings suggest that the Transtheoretical Model (and its key constructs) may be a useful framework through which more tailored health promotion interventions can be designed.

Comparing stage of change and behavioral intention to understand fruit intake

We explored if the pre-action Transtheoretical stages of change are indeed discrete stages for fruit intakes. In a longitudinal design, a cohort of 735 adults completed electronic questionnaires assessing fruit intake, stages of change and intention to increase fruit intake at baseline and 35 and 67 days follow-up. A dichotomization of a continuous intention measure ('pseudostages') was compared with precontemplation and contemplation stages. The results showed (i) that pseudostages and stages of change were strongly associated; (ii) that for most respondents, stability and transitions in stages of change resembled transitions in pseudostage, while test-retest reliabilities for both measures were similar and (iii) that pseudostages and the continuous intention measure were stronger predictors of fruit intake than stage of change. We conclude that pre-action stages of change for fruit are not different from a mere categorization of a continuous intention measure.

Stages of change for moderate-intensity physical activity in deprived neighborhoods

Background. This article describes the association of external and psychosocial factors with the stages of change for moderate-intensity physical activity among individuals with generally low socioeconomic positions. Methods. A self-administered questionnaire among individuals aged 18–65 years (response rate 60%, n = 2781) in deprived neighborhoods in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, was conducted in September 2000. To identify factors associated with stages of change an ordinal logistic regression model, the “Threshold of Change model (TCM)”, was used to analyze the data. Results. Thirty-six percent of the respondents were in the pre-action stages, 15% was in action and 49% in maintenance. Individuals who were, older, lower educated, had low health locus of control, had less knowledge of physical activity issues, and presented other risky health behaviors, were more likely to be in a lower stage of change category. A positive attitude, high self-efficacy expectations, perceiving the physical activity level of others as high, and much social support were associated with the higher stages of change categories. Conclusion. The distribution across the stages of change supports the need to improve physical activity behavior in these deprived neighborhoods. Interventions need to be tailored to the psychosocial, and the external factors that are likely to play a role in the behavioral change process.

MOVING BEYOND THE TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL

MOVING BEYOND THE TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL

The Effectiveness of an Internet-based Nutrition and Fitness Education Program for Senior Military Officers

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-month Internet-based nutrition and fitness education program on promoting positive health outcomes among senior military officers. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (n=39) that had access to the Internet-based intervention or a control group (n=39) that did not have access to the program, which was based on the Stages of Change Model for behavior change. Physiological (lipids, glucose, weight, BMI, percent body fat) and behavioral (physical activity readiness questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, eating habits) measurements were collected at baseline and 6 months after completion of the intervention. Participants in the treatment group were required to log on to the website at least once each month. Participants completed monthly questionnaires to assess stage of change for diet (consumption of ≥5 servings of fruits/vegetables daily) and exercise (≥ 30 minutes of moderate activity on ≥ 3 days/week) to receive appropriate stage-matched education. RESULTS: Stage progression for diet was statistically significant from month 1 to 6 (p < .0005) in the treatment group as participants moved from pre-action stages to action and maintenance stages. However, stage of change was also significant (p = .004) for diet during the 6-month period after the intervention as participants relapsed. There were no significant changes in stage distribution for exercise during the study. Analysis of covariance revealed no significant improvement in behavioral and physiological measurements of the treatment group as compared to the control group. Participants in the action stage spent the most amount of time on the website (mean = 25 min/month) while precontemplators spent the least amount of time (6 min/month). As a group, participants spent the least amount of time on the fitness information. Eighty-five percent of participants would recommend this type of program to others in the military. CONCLUSION: The study findings are not sufficiently conclusive to suggest that an educational intervention based on the Stages of Change Model would be effective in improving eating and exercise behaviors of senior military officers, although participants progressed through the stages of change for consumption of fruits and vegetables. These findings suggest that the Internet is a promising and viable medium for delivering education to military personnel stationed and/or deployed around the world. Future research should focus on program content, factors that initiate and sustain behavior change, and possible use of email and other technology to deliver education to a military population.

Transtheoretical Model Intervention for Adherence to Lipid-Lowering Drugs

An estimated 60% of individuals prescribed lipid-lowering medications are nonadherent. Failure to adhere increases morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs. This study examined the effectiveness of a population-based, individualized Transtheoretical Model (TTM) expert system intervention to improve adherence and increase exercise and diet in a randomized 18-month trial involving 404 adults. Compared to usual care, treatment participants who started in a pre-action stage were significantly more likely to be in the Action and Maintenance (A/M) stages for adherence at end of treatment (55.3% versus 40%, z = 2.11, p < 0.05, h = 0.31) and at 18-months (56% versus 37.8%, z = 2.38, p < 0.01, h = 0.36). The treatment group scored significantly better on two measures of adherence at six and 12 months post-treatment (all p < 0.05, odds ratios [OR] 1.49-3.67). Among those who began in A/M, treatment participants were significantly more likely to remain in A/M at 18 months (85.2% versus 55.6%, z = 2.63, p < 0.01, h = 0.67). Those receiving treatment were significantly more likely to progress to A/M for exercise and dietary fat reduction (43.3% versus 24.7% for exercise, and 24.7% versus 12.5% for diet). TTM expert system interventions can have a significant impact on entire populations for adherence. Results for dietary fat and exercise suggest covariation of treatment effects.

Long-term Effects Of A Home-based Physical Activity Intervention In Older Adults

Physical inactivity remains a major health problem among older adults in the US despite the known benefits of a regularly active lifestyle on health and quality of life. PURPOSE To examine the long-term effects of a home-based intervention based on the transtheoretical model of behavior change on physical activity in older adults. METHODS Subjects were 954 community-dwelling older adult (age = 75.4 ± 6.6 years) volunteers for the SENIOR (Study of Exercise and Nutrition in Older Rhode Islanders) Project. The subjects were divided into two groups: exercise intervention (E; n = 464) and control (C; n = 490). The 12-month intervention consisted of a manual, stage-based newsletters, individualized expert system reports and counselor calls. Measurements taken at baseline, 12 months and 24 months included stage of change, the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS), and the Up-and-Go. RESULTS At baseline, 55.2% of subjects were in the action or maintenance stage (A/M). Subjects who received E showed significantly more stage progression than C (p <0.05). There was no difference at 24 months in YPAS summary index score or Up-and-Go scores between E and C. YPAS weekly caloric energy expenditure significantly decreased across time in both groups. At 24 months, 39.4% of subject in a pre-action stage at baseline progressed to A/M. Subjects who progressed to A/M were more likely to receive E, and had higher YPAS summary index scores (44.8 ± 1.9 vs 28.9 ± 1.5; p <0.05) and weekly energy expenditure (6795 ± 406 vs 5332 ± 327 kcal; p< 0.05) at 24 months compared to those who did not progress. CONCLUSIONS The disproportionate number of subjects in A/M at baseline may have masked the efficacy of E. E appeared to be more effective with those individuals at risk for a sedentary lifestyle at baseline.

Long-term Effects Of A Home-based Physical Activity Intervention In Older Adults

Physical inactivity remains a major health problem among older adults in the US despite the known benefits of a regularly active lifestyle on health and quality of life. PURPOSE To examine the long-term effects of a home-based intervention based on the transtheoretical model of behavior change on physical activity in older adults. METHODS Subjects were 954 community-dwelling older adult (age = 75.4 ± 6.6 years) volunteers for the SENIOR (Study of Exercise and Nutrition in Older Rhode Islanders) Project. The subjects were divided into two groups: exercise intervention (E; n = 464) and control (C; n = 490). The 12-month intervention consisted of a manual, stage-based newsletters, individualized expert system reports and counselor calls. Measurements taken at baseline, 12 months and 24 months included stage of change, the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS), and the Up-and-Go. RESULTS At baseline, 55.2% of subjects were in the action or maintenance stage (A/M). Subjects who received E showed significantly more stage progression than C (p <0.05). There was no difference at 24 months in YPAS summary index score or Up-and-Go scores between E and C. YPAS weekly caloric energy expenditure significantly decreased across time in both groups. At 24 months, 39.4% of subject in a pre-action stage at baseline progressed to A/M. Subjects who progressed to A/M were more likely to receive E, and had higher YPAS summary index scores (44.8 ± 1.9 vs 28.9 ± 1.5; p <0.05) and weekly energy expenditure (6795 ± 406 vs 5332 ± 327 kcal; p< 0.05) at 24 months compared to those who did not progress. CONCLUSIONS The disproportionate number of subjects in A/M at baseline may have masked the efficacy of E. E appeared to be more effective with those individuals at risk for a sedentary lifestyle at baseline.

Does The Timed Up And Go Test Reflect Physical Activity And Function In Community Dwelling Older Adults? Results From The SENIOR Project

PURPOSE To compare the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) with self reported physical activity behavior and health status in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS 1277 community dwelling older adult volunteers for the SENIOR Project [Age: 75.4 ± 6.6 (range 61–97) years, 69.4% female] underwent measurement at baseline of TUG, Stages of Change for Exercise, and Health status [Medical Health Outcomes Questionnaire (SF-36)]. RESULTS TUG ranged from 7–104 (Mean 9.3 ± 5.6) seconds. 3.5 % of subjects had abnormal TUG based on the absolute criteria of ≥ 20 seconds (0.6 % of men and 2.8 % of women). TUG was higher in older age groups, and older elders were more likely to have abnormal TUG scores compared to younger elders (p = 0.001). TUG was inversely related to General Health Score on the SF-36 (r = −0.289; p ± 0.0001) and General Health explained 9% of the variance in TUG performance times. Elders with abnormal TUG had poorer General Health (52.9 vs. 72.4; p <0.0001), Physical Function (61.5 vs. 70.9; p = 0.024), and Role Physical (19.2 vs. 70.3; p< 0.0001) subscale scores on the SF-36. TUG was significantly longer in persons in the pre-action stages compared with the action stages of change (10.8 vs. 9.8 seconds; p <0.0001). CONCLUSION TUG reflects stages of change for exercise, and self-reported health status (general, physical function, role physical) in community dwelling older adults.

Student teachers' reasoning while making pedagogical decisions

SUMMARY This study examines student teachers' reasoning when making pedagogical decisions at two stages of the teaching process: the pre-active stage of lesson planning and the post-active stage of analysis of the lesson taught. The sample consisted of 21 student teachers, all with a BA degree but no teaching certificate, already teaching various subjects in secondary schools. The student teachers took a course in pedagogy, during which they gained experience in planning lessons and teaching them by means of peer teaching. Qualitative and quantitative findings were gathered from the student teachers' reflective journals. Findings relate to: (1) the topics figuring in their pedagogical decisions; (2) the arguments used to explain the decisionss; and (3) the range of arguments given for each decision. The importance of the study lies in identifying student teachers' reasoning when planning and teaching lessons, highlighting specific shortcomings, in view of the complexity of teaching situations. The study yielded insights relevant to the educational process.

STATEWIDE PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY USING THE IPAQ

Periodic physical activity (PA) surveillance is important to identify subgroup disparities and trends to inform resource allocation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is recommended for surveillance as it addresses leisure and work PA and is internationally normed. PURPOSE To determine the PA levels by population subgroups. METHODS A random digit dial sample was recruited (37.8% completion rate; n=4706; 49.9% female; mean age=46.0±16.6; 31.8% Caucasian; 15.6% Hawaiian; 4.6% Chinese; 11.5% Filipino; 21.3% Japanese; 15.2% other; 45.4% earned <$40K; mean years of education=14.4±3.1; mean BMI=25.6±5.0). Data was weighted by state sex and island distributions. RESULTS Mean minutes per week of vigorous PA=400.3±692.7, moderate PA=333.82±670.9, walking per week=519.17±827.7, and sitting per day=1528.3±1498.1. Males engaged in more vigorous, moderate and walking (p's < .05). However, there were no gender differences for sitting. Older adults engaged in more PA for all intensities. Regarding ethnicity, Chinese and Japanese were the least active across intensities and Filipinos sat the least. For socioeconomic indicators, there were no differences for PA intensities by income. However, lowest (< $20K) and highest (< $60K) income groups sat the least. Further, those with less than high school reported the most PA across the intensities and sat the least. Concerning health related variables, underweight and obese reported the least vigorous PA, and obese individuals sat the most. As expected, individuals in the pre-action stages reported lower PA compared to post-action stages across the PA intensities and pre-action individuals sat more. However, being at criteria or not as calculated by the IPAQ, versus pre- and post-action was only moderately related (r=.42, p < .01). CONCLUSION The IPAQ identifies differences in vigorous PA, moderate PA, walking and sitting for different groups. However, the estimates are high compared to other surveillance (e.g., BRFSS), which impacts decisions made based on published PA guidelines. Whether this result is due to the inclusion of all PA (leisure-time and work), a measurement artifact, or actual behavior levels in Hawaii, is unclear.