Correlates of the stages of change for physical activity in a population survey.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to identify variables associated with being in a particular stage of change for physical activity-a measure of behavioral intention to engage in regular physical activity. Understanding behavioral intentions can be useful in explaining why individuals are physically inactive or active.


METHODS
Data from the Rhode Island 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to evaluate predictors of stage of change for physical activity. There were 3454 observations in the data set, representing a weighted population of 742636 people. Estimates were obtained from polytomous multiple logistic models.


RESULTS
Being a woman, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and older than 55 years of age were associated with being in precontemplation and contemplation stages of change rather than maintenance. Self-perceived health status and rarely feeling healthy or full of energy were strongly predictive of stage of change. Having a health limitation was a dichotomous predictor, predicting being in action and precontemplation stages.


CONCLUSIONS
Several sociodemographic and health variables were associated with varying patterns of stages of change for physical activity. The complexity of individual intentions for physical activity provides evidence for the potential existence of mediating, effect-modifying, and confounding variables that differ depending on individual characteristics.
Garber
Carol Ewing
CE
Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. garber@tc.columbia.edu
Allsworth
Jenifer E
JE
Marcus
Bess H
BH
Hesser
Jana
J
Lapane
Kate L
KL
D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012237:Rhode Island; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires