Stages Of Change Research Articles

Analysis of the Aggregate Financial Behaviour of Customers Using the Transtheoretical Model of Change

The authors addressed the problem of aggregate financial behaviour of customers by using the transtheoretical model of change. Aggregate financial behaviour of customers was studied by analyzing payment cards, private pension savings and mortgage loans. The transheoretical model of change was chosen as a theoretical framework for the analysis. Conclusions are based on results of regression analysis of empirical evidence of customers’ financial behaviour relation to the given products during the time period 2001-2013 in Latvia and further logical inferences by authors, which are consistent with the chosen theoretical framework of the transtheoretical model of change

Continued smoking abstinence in diabetic patients in primary care: A cluster randomized controlled multicenter study

To assess the effectiveness of an intensive smoking cessation intervention based on the transtheoretical model of change (TTM) in diabetic smokers attending primary care. A cluster randomized controlled clinical trial was designed in which the unit of randomization (intervention vs. usual care) was the primary care team. An intensive, individualized intervention using motivational interview and therapies and medications adapted to the patient's stage of change was delivered. The duration of the study was 1 year. A total of 722 people with diabetes who were smokers (345 in the intervention group and 377 in the control group) completed the study. After 1 year, continued abstinence was recorded in 90 (26.1%) patients in the intervention group and in 67 (17.8%) controls (p=0.007). In patients with smoking abstinence, there was a higher percentage in the precontemplation and contemplation stages at baseline in the intervention group than in controls (21.2% vs. 13.7%, p=0.024). When the precontemplation stage was taken as reference (OR=1.0), preparation/action stage at baseline showed a protective effect, decreasing 3.41 times odds of continuing smoking (OR=0.293 95% CI 0.179-0.479, p<0.001). Contemplation stage at baseline also showed a protective effect, decreasing the odds of continuing smoking (OR=0.518, 95% CI 0.318-0.845, p=0.008). An intensive intervention adapted to the individual stage of change delivered in primary care was feasible and effective, with a smoking cessation rate of 26.1% after 1 year.

General and smoking cessation weight concern in a Hispanic sample of light and intermittent smokers

This study assessed general and cessation related weight concerns in a Hispanic sample of light (≤10 cigarettes per day) and intermittent (non-daily smoking) smokers (LITS) participating in a brief smoking cessation intervention. Three hundred and fifty-four Hispanic LITS (Mage=34.2, SD=14; 51.1% male; 57.9% Mexican American; 59.0% daily light, 41.0% intermittent) completed baseline measures assessing demographics, tobacco use/history, stage of change (SOC), general weight concern, and cessation related weight concern. Three multiple logistic regression models examined potential predictors (i.e., age, gender, SOC, cigarettes per month, smoking status [daily vs non-daily], weight, cessation related weight concern, general weight concern) of general weight concern, cessation related weight concern, and past 30day abstinence (controlling for the intervention). Study results indicated that a majority of participants reported general weight concern (59.6%), and slightly more than a third (35.6%) reported post cessation weight gain concern (mean and median weight tolerated before relapse were within the 10–12lb range). Lower weight and endorsing general weight concern were associated with cessation related weight concern. Female gender, higher weight, and endorsing cessation related weight concern were associated with general weight concern. Monthly cigarette use was associated with smoking cessation at the three-month follow-up. The results indicate a substantial prevalence of general weight concern and non-trivial rates of cessation related weight concern in Hispanic LITS attempting to quit, and greater success in quitting among those who reported lower rates of cigarettes smoked per month.

Do symptom-specific stages of change predict eating disorder treatment outcome?

Interview methods to assess stages of change (SOC) in eating disorders (ED) indicate that SOC are positively correlated with symptom improvement over time. However, interviews require significant time and staff training and global measures of SOC do not capture varying levels of motivation across ED symptoms. This study used a self-report, ED symptom-specific SOC measure to determine prevalence of stages across symptoms and identify if SOC predict treatment outcome. Participants [N = 182; age 13-58 years; 92% Caucasian; 96% female; average BMI 21.7 (SD = 5.9); 50% ED not otherwise specified (EDNOS), 30.8% bulimia nervosa (BN), 19.2% anorexia nervosa (AN)] seeking ED treatment at a diverse-milieu multi-disciplinary facility in the United States completed stages of change, behavioral (ED symptom use and frequency) and psychological (ED concerns, anxiety, depression) measures at intake assessment and at 3, 6 and 12 months thereafter. Descriptive summaries were generated using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis (continuous) and χ (2) (categorical) tests. Repeated measures linear regression models with autoregressive correlation structure predicted treatment outcome. At intake assessment, 53.3% of AN, 34.0% of BN and 18.1% of EDNOS patients were in Preparation/Action. Readiness to change specific symptoms was highest for binge-eating (57.8%) and vomiting (56.5%). Frequency of fasting and restricting behaviors, and scores on all eating disorder and psychological measures improved over time regardless of SOC at intake assessment. Symptom-specific SOC did not predict reductions in ED symptom frequency. Overall SOC predicted neither improvement in Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores nor reduction in depression or trait anxiety; however, higher overall SOC predicted lower state anxiety across follow-up. Readiness to change ED behaviors varies considerably. Most patients reduced eating disorder behaviors and increased psychological functioning regardless of stages of change, indicating the benefits of treatment and effectiveness of treatment-as-usual for overall psychiatric improvement.

Survey of physical activity level and stage of change among high school

Survey of physical activity level and stage of change among high school

Experiential or behavioral processes: Which one is prominent in physical activity? Examining the processes of change 1 year after an intervention of therapeutic education among adults with obesity

ObjectiveAlthough physical activity (PA) is essential, most obese people will not engage in its practice. The transtheoretical model (TTM) and its processes of change (POC) contribute to the understanding of behavior change regarding PA. The present study aimed to test how POC are associated with a progression through the stages of change (SOC) and whether they predict BMI change. MethodsInterventional study. A total of 134 subjects participated in an education program, were called at 1 year and 62 of them provided follow-up data. Participants completed the SOC and POC questionnaires at baseline, at 1 year and were classified according to their SOC progression. ResultsParticipants who progressed through SOC lost more weight (p<0.001). Significant interactions were found for three out of five POC (p<0.05). Progression through SOC was associated with an increased use of POC. Weight loss was predicted by two behavioral POC. ConclusionResults support the previous cross-sectional studies showing that physically active people use more frequently POC. Practice implicationsThe present findings support the development of TTM-grounded behavioral interventions targeted to obese patients. Identifying methods to promote POC use to improve adherence to weight guidelines may lead to improved clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Does stage tailoring matter in brief alcohol interventions for job-seekers? A randomized controlled trial.

To investigate whether or not a stage tailored intervention is more effective than a non-stage tailored intervention of the same intensity in reducing alcohol use among job-seekers with unhealthy alcohol use, and whether initial motivation to change is a moderator of efficacy. A three-group randomized controlled trial with 3-, 6- and 15-month follow-ups. Three job agencies in Germany. A total of 1243 job-seekers with unhealthy alcohol use were randomized to (i) stage tailored intervention based on the transtheoretical model of change (ST), (ii) non-stage tailored intervention based on the theory of planned behaviour (NST) and (iii) assessment only (controls). Participants received feedback letters and manuals at baseline and 3 months later. Piecewise latent growth models were calculated measuring change in 'alcohol use' from baseline to month 3 (active intervention phase) and from months 3 to 15 (post-intervention phase, primary outcome). Motivation to change was included as a 4-point continuous measure. All groups reduced alcohol use from months 0 to 3 (controls: mean = -0.866, NST: mean = -0.883, ST: mean = -0.718, Ps ≤ 0.001). Post-intervention (months 3-15), low-motivated individuals in the ST group showed a greater reduction than those in the control group (β = 0.135, P = 0.039, Cohen's d = 0.42) and in the NST group (β = 0.180, P = 0.009, Cohen's d = 0.55). In contrast, compared to the ST group (β = 0.030, P = 0.361), alcohol use decreased more strongly with higher initial motivation in the NST group (β = -0.118, P = 0.010). Among job-seekers with high levels of alcohol consumption, an intervention tailored to motivational 'stage of change' was more effective than a non-stage tailored intervention for reducing alcohol use 15 months after baseline assessment in participants with low initial motivation to change.

Different Stages of Entrepreneurship: Lessons from the Transtheoretical Model of Change

The present study investigates whether the assumptions of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) can be used as a framework to describe psychological change processes relevant to potential and active entrepreneurs. A sample of 820 participants completed an online questionnaire assessing stages of change (SOC), costs and benefits of entrepreneurship (decisional balance), entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and the steps they have made towards entrepreneurship. The benefits of entrepreneurship, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial behaviour increased systematically along the SOC. Costs did not differ significantly between stages. Effect sizes for costs and benefits replicate those reported by previous clinical studies. In sum, this study tentatively supports the application of the TTM to the field of entrepreneurship. This model can be used as a framework for the investigation of individual ambivalence towards entrepreneurship. Intervention approaches, such as training in business and administrative practices that are based on participants' answers to open questions, might catalyse entrepreneurial activities.

Desenvolvimento de um website para prevenção à violência no namoro, abandono de relações íntimas abusivas e apoio aos pares

Namoros violentos podem gerar transtornos de estresse pos-traumatico, depressao e abuso de substâncias. Por isso, medidas preventivas e de intervencao precoce sao necessarias. Este artigo tem por objetivo descrever a avaliacao de necessidades e a construcao de materiais para o desenvolvimento de um website para prevencao a violencia no namoro entre adolescentes e jovens brasileiros. Para avaliar necessidades, estudos qualitativos foram realizados com amostras de adolescentes e jovens para identificar intencoes de enfrentamento a violencia no namoro, as caracteristicas de namoros abusivos, as habilidades de manejo de conflitos usadas em namoros saudaveis, estrategias facilitadoras do abandono de namoros violentos e o processo de receber e dar ajuda a amigos em situacao de maus-tratos no namoro. Com base nos resultados da avaliacao de necessidades e no Modelo Transteorico de Mudanca, construiu-se um website com cinco modulos: reconhecimento da violencia no namoro, fatores de risco para a vitimizacao pelo parceiro intimo, habilidades sociais para manejo de conflitos no namoro, abandono de namoros violentos e apoio aos pares. Sao sugeridos estudos para avaliacao dos efeitos da exposicao ao website sobre mudancas atitudinais e comportamentais relativas a autoprotecao em namoros violentos e ao apoio aos pares.Palavras-chave: prevencao, educacao em saude, violencia domestica, saude do adolescente.

Decrease in unmet needs contributes to improved motivation for treatment in elderly patients with severe mental illness

To investigate the pattern of associations between changes in unmet needs and treatment motivation in elderly patients with severe mental illness. Observational longitudinal study in 70 patients treated by an assertive community treatment team for the elderly. Unmet needs and motivation for treatment were measured using the Camberwell assessment of needs for the elderly and the stages-of-change (SoC) scale, respectively, at baseline, after 9 and 18 months. SoC scores were dichotomized into two categories: motivated and unmotivated. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine whether changes in motivation were parallel to or preceded changes in unmet needs. The number of patients who were not motivated for treatment decreased over time (at baseline 71.4 % was not motivated, at the second measurement 51.4 %, and at 18 months 31.4 % of the patients were not motivated for treatment). A decrease in unmet needs, both from 0-9 to 0-18 months was associated with remaining motivated or a change from unmotivated to becoming motivated during the same observational period (parallel associations). A decrease in unmet needs from 0 to 9 months was also associated with remaining motivated or a change from unmotivated to motivated during the 9-18 months follow-up (sequential associations). Our findings suggest that a decrease in unmet needs is associated with improvements in motivation for treatment.

African-American Womens’ Eating Habits and Intention to Change: a Pilot Study

Unhealthy diet is one of the leading contributors for chronic disease related morbidity and mortality in African-American (AA) women living in the USA. The purpose of this study was to describe eating habits and intention to change using the stages of change (SOC) model in a sample of AA women. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Florida with AA women. A total of 292 AA women participated. Outcome variables were eating breakfast, foods having low to no fat, fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, foods with low to no salt, and few to no snacks. SOC was the main independent variable. Almost half (48 %) seldom added salt to meals, 45 % consumed low-fat foods, 32 % consumed breakfast every day, and 32 % consumed primarily whole grain products. Women in action and maintenance SOC were significantly more likely to eat breakfast (odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.10–2.03), mostly or only low-fat foods (OR = 4.11, 95 % CI: 2.59–6.51), ≥4 servings of fruits and vegetables (OR = 1.75, 95 % CI: 1.09–2.83), and whole grain products (OR = 2.05, 95 % CI: 1.42–2.97). AA women want to eat healthier but do not always practice healthy diets. Understanding SOC can be essential to develop interventions for improving AA women’s eating habits.

Nursing students' intentions to comply with standard precautions: An exploratory prospective cohort study

Partial compliance of health care workers with standard precaution (SP) guidelines has been extensively documented. The aim of this study was to describe the development of nursing students' intentions to comply with SPs. Prospective cohort study. Two consecutive classes of a 4-year bachelor of nursing program completed questionnaires 3 times. The transtheoretical model of change was used to describe the change in intentions to comply with SPs. Factor analysis displayed 2 behavioral categories: commonly used standard precautions (CUSPs) and less commonly used standard precautions (LUSPs). Knowledge, risk perception, sense of coherence (SOC), safety climate (SC), and emphasis given by educators were evaluated as associated factors. Of the 91 students, 85 (93%) completed the questionnaire during their second year, 57 of 88 students (65%) completed it during the third year, and 70 of 82 students (85%) completed it at the end of the fourth year. Of the 82 students, 45 (55%) completed 3 measurements. CUSPs exhibited a rise from the second to the third year, with a moderate decline from the third to the fourth year, whereas LUSPs continued ascending. CUSPs were positively associated with SC and SOC; LUSPs were commonly associated with risk perception. The different evolution of CUSPs and LUSPs and dissimilar associations may suggest that different strategies might encourage diverse SP behaviors. Improving the SC might be appropriate when aiming to encourage CUSPs, and highlighting risks may be appropriate to encourage LUSPs.

Intervenção para promoção da atividade física em escolares: efetividade sobre o deslocamento ativo, exercícios de força e estágios de mudança de comportamento

High schools represent a favorable environment for the development of interventions to increase physical activity because they reach a large number of teenagers. The goal of the study was to determine the effectiveness of an intervention to promote physical activity among high school students (through the ‘Saude na Boa’ project) through assessing the stages of behavior change and the practices of muscle-strengthening exercise and active commuting. The present study comprised a randomized and controlled intervention conducted in Recife and Florianopolis, Brazil, during 2006. Dependent variables included active commuting (cutoff values: ≥1 and ≥5 days per week), the practice of muscle-strengthening exercises (cutoff values: ≥1 day per week and the recommended level of physical activity), and behavioral changes regarding physical activity. Of the 2,155 students included in the baseline data, 989 were evaluated in the post-intervention period (45.9%). In comparison with the control group, the intervention group significantly increased the practice of active commuting to school on ≥ 1 day per week (80.5% vs. 86.8%, p<0.001) and ≥ 5 days per week (64.3% vs. 71.9%, p<0.001), the practice of muscle-strengthening exercises on ≥ 1 day per week (41.4% vs. 46.0%, p=0.017), and the achievement of the recommended levels of exercise (28.9% vs. 35.0%, p=0.002). The intervention group reached higher stages of change in physical activity behavior compared with controls (p = 0.004). The ‘Saude na Boa’ project effectively enhanced the practices of active commuting to school and muscle-strengthening exercises and resulted in an increased physical activity status.

Relationships between Transtheoretical Model Stages of Change, Decisional Balance, Self-Efficacy, and Physical Activity Level among Nigerian Market Vendors

This study explored decisional balance, self-efficacy, and physical activity (PA) level in relation to stages of change (SoC) for PA among Nigerian vendors. The study explored associations among decisional balance, self-efficacy, and PA level, and examined differences, by stage, in decisional balance, self-efficacy, and PA level. Cross-sectional survey. Outdoor markets located in Eke Amobi, Nkwo, and Okpuno Egbu in Nnewi, southeastern Nigeria. Participants were 499 market vendors (98 males and 401 females). Self-efficacy, perceived barrier and benefit, PA level, and SoC for PA. Spearman rank-order and partial correlations; analysis of variance by gender with Bonferroni post hoc adjustment. Self-efficacy (r = 0.69; p = 0.000), perceived benefit (r = .12; p = .007), and perceived barrier (r = -.11; p = .017) for PA were related to the SoC. Adjusting for age, gender, and marital status, only self-efficacy (r = .48; p = .000) remained correlated with the SoC. In males, significant differences in perceived barrier (p = .003) and benefit (p = .003) lay between stages of contemplation and preparation and between stages of precontemplation and contemplation for self-efficacy (p = .006). In females, there were significance differences in self-efficacy across stages of precontemplation and contemplation (p = .000) and preparation and action (p = .007). When designing PA interventions, age, gender, and marital status should be considered in explaining the relationships between outcome constructs of transtheoretical model (TTM) and SoC in vendors. It is also important to note that the stages at which outcome constructs of TTM change during PA interventions vary in males and females.

Exploring people's willingness to bike using a combination of the theory of planned behavioural and the transtheoretical model

IntroductionThe amount of travel by car is increasing, leading to negative effects on our environment and on our own quality of life. In order to achieve a change in a more pro-environmental direction, it is important to understand the decision making process of travel behavior. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to explore important factors determining people's willingness to bike using two well-established theories namely: the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the transtheoretical model of change (TTM). Studies have found that habits help to understand travel mode choice a further aim was therefore to determine the relationship between habit and TTM. MethodThis study included a sample of 414 people drawn from the general public who had to respond to a questionnaire based around a journey they most often made during one week. ResultsThe results confirmed that the constructs, as measured by the TPB, only distinguished between precontemplation and contemplation and between preparation and action. The introduction of habit revealed that it was mainly people at the first and the last stage where the behaviour could be considered to be automatic. The results also showed that the relationship between the TPB and the TTM was mainly linear, but also quadratic. This study explored respondents’ behavioural beliefs and based on these results, using factor analysis, three components were presented. In general people agreed that cycling was good for their health and the environment. What differentiated them were aspects related to the pros and cons of cycling, perceived consequences became more positive and less negative with advancing stages. ConclusionThis study suggests that the combination of TPB and the TTM is useful when trying to understand modal choice. However, the study strongly argues that it is the multidimensional nature of the constructs, which is interesting rather than purely focusing on separate ones. It also suggests that even if short-term benefits are strongly related to the process of change, negative ones need to be addressed and taken seriously if we want people to persist with their new behaviour. Implications of the current findings for the description of people at the different stages are discussed.

Early detection, negotiation and treatment of alcohol use disorders in primary care

Subjects with alcohol dependence or alcohol-related health problems frequently use the primary care system without receiving the correct diagnosis or specific interventions. Stigma, lack of knowledge and know-how with regards to diagnosis and treatment of alcohol-related disorders on the site of the health care professionals may contribute to the treatment gap. General anamnesis, clinical evaluation, and laboratory parameters can serve as indicators, and validated screening tests can further corroborate the hypothesis. However, a diagnosis should only be made according to ICD-10 criteria. Adequate counselling techniques substantially contribute to successful physician-patient interaction. Motivational Interviewing combines a positive, appreciative attitude with communicative techniques to create a motivation to change. It includes general approaches as open questions, appreciation of the patient, active listening, summarizing results as well as specific approaches such as change and confidence talk and dealing with resistance. Within a positive relationship, the conversation can lead to change. Brief interventions cover four to five sessions with a duration between five and sixty minutes. Brief interventions based on an empathic attitude und reflection of findings, a brief advice leaving the responsibility on the patient's side and supporting self-efficacy can improve alcohol-related disorders. The transtheoretical model of change may help the health care provider to adapt intervention strategies to the patient's state. Primary health care provides an adequate framework for screening, diagnosis and intervention for alcohol-related disorders with the aim of reduction or abstinence. Further institutions in addiction treatment such as self-help and clinical institutions may complement the treatment system.

Alcohol interlocks and prevention of drunk-driving recidivism

IntroductionAlcohol interlock programs (AIP) are aimed at preventing drunk-driving recidivism. They first appeared in Europe in the nineties. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was investigate whether AIPs are effective in reducing recidivism and determine what factors of such programs contribute to their positive impact. MethodWe performed a follow-up of AIP participants (n=175) and control participants (n=234) for five years. Data such as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at time of arrest, previous and subsequent violations (alcohol-related or other types) were collected from the official driver's license files. For self-evaluation and evaluation of the program (since November 2009 only), we used questionnaires based on two theoretical models: the Transtheoretical Model of Change (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1984) and the Diamond of Change Model from the DRUID project, build to explain which are the elements of driver rehabilitation training courses that favor behavioral modification (Bukasa et al., 2009). ResultsThe data obtained allowed us to describe these populations of alcohol-drinking offenders, for both the interlock program group and the control group. Two salient features were male proneness to alcohol-related violations and a very high BAC (between 1.5 and 2g/l) among the majority of drivers who drink under the influence of alcohol. In terms of recidivism reduction, the interlock program was not clearly linked to a beneficial effect. An analysis of behavioral change among the AIP participants showed that consciousness raising took effect more quickly than did environmental reevaluation or reinforcement management. ConclusionsThe application of Prochaska et al.’s model to the follow-up of AIP programs would be more fruitful in the future if psychologists are involved in the program. As we have seen, medical/psychological monitoring may not have been strong enough in the program studied here.

Health coaching for low back pain: a systematic review of the literature.

To systematically review the evidence for health coaching for patients with low back pain and describe the diversity of health coach training and interventions. Electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to 24 June 2013 using individually devised strategies. Randomised or quasi randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of health coaching for adults with low back pain of any duration were considered. The overall quality of the body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Treatment effects were presented as the difference in mean scores with 95% confidence intervals and standardised mean difference at follow-up between health coaching and control groups. Health coaching interventions were compared narratively by their theoretical principles and the training and assessment of heath coaches. Five publications describing three RCTs and one cluster RCT met the criteria for review. A rating of very low was assigned to the body of evidence using the GRADE approach. One RCT found significant improvements in lifting capacity and exercise compliance in favour of the health coaching group at both follow-up points with a large and moderate standardised mean difference. All included studies based health coaching interventions on the transtheoretical model of change however, the content of counselling programmes varied between studies and measures of treatment fidelity were inconclusive. Variability in health coaching interventions and a lack of assessment of treatment fidelity in addition to the very low rating of the overall body of evidence identified in the current review renders any estimates of the effect of health coaching on low back pain uncertain. Well-designed RCTs of patients with sub-acute low back pain are required that incorporate clearly described protocols for health coaching interventions and include standardised measures of treatment fidelity.

The sedentary behavior and its related factors for middle school students

Objective To understand the status and influencing factors of adolescent sedentary behavior, and to provide a basis for further improving health education and health promotion measures. Method Using multi-stage sampling method survey of 2 186 secondary school students in two cities across the country with adolescent sedentary behavior-psychological scale, including the TTM theoretical model of adolescent sedentary time, sedentary stage of change, change strategy, decision-making balance and the current status of self-efficacy. Results The average sedentary time in the school day was (4.19±1.99) hours per day, average sedentary time in the holidays (4.13±1.68) hours per day, Teaching, the sedentary time region group(χ2=-2.14, P<0.05), gender group (χ2=-4.18, P<0.01)and grade group(χ2=-4.43, P<0.01) were statistically difference, the sedentary time in holidays has statistically difference in grade(χ2=-5.95, P<0.01). Sedentary behavior existed phase behavior change for middle school students, and mainly in the first stages of consciousness and awareness, middle school students in different stages of behavior of sedentary time, once upon a time consciousness stage to operation stage the sedentary time was on the decline, and the maintenance stage increased slightly.Different stages of sedentary behavior change strategy of middle school students, decision balance, self-efficacy scores were statistically significant, the influence of psychological factors on the sedentary time showed the trend that the score decreases from consciousness stage to the action stage and increases in the maintenance stage.The factors of sedentary time in teaching time including gender, grade, stage of behavior change, change strategy, decision balance negative effect, the influence factors of holiday sedentary time including the grade, stage of behavior change, decisional balance (positive and negative). Conclusion The adolescents sedentary behavior time is significantly higher than the standard sedentary time and in a preconscious stage large number of responses to juvenile sedentary behavior target health interventions to recognize that reducing sedentary behavior on health benefits. Key words: The trans-theortical model; Middle-school student; Sedentary behavior

Body image perceptions related to weight loss stage of change for diet and physical activity (811.30)

In weight management interventions, understanding the patient readiness to change is essential in order to design individualized nutrition care plans. The aim of this study is to examine obese/overweight individuals’ body image perceptions and the relationship with stage of change (SOC) for weight loss. Questionnaires were completed by 161 individuals (48 male, 113 female) at five health centers in south Mississippi. Information collected included weight loss intention, dietary and physical activity behavior, body image perception, height, weight, and demographics. Participant SOC was determined using an adapted algorithm and body mass index (BMI) perception accuracy was determined by comparing participants own thoughts of their BMI classification to actual BMI classification. SPSS correlation/regression and MedCalc Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient analyses were used. A Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient analysis revealed inconsistencies in participant’s BMI perception and actual BMI classification (Pearson p=0.35). On average, overweight/obese individuals (n=123) who perceived themselves as overweight had a higher weight loss SOC than those who did not think they were overweight (β=0.35, n=123, p&lt;0.01). Weight management interventions need to address weight norms and perceptions to enhance awareness and mobilize patients to change diet and physical activity behaviors to promote weight loss.