Incorporating self-efficacy and interpersonal support in an intervention to increase physical activity in older women.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of five versus one session of Behavioral Counseling in a 12-week intervention to increase self-efficacy and family and friend support for activity, and examine self-efficacy and support as mediators of activity among 46 urban women.


METHODS
A randomized, controlled trial conducted during 2004 in Omaha, Nebraska. Outcomes were analyzed with Repeated Measures-ANOVA and path analysis.


RESULTS
No significant change was observed in self-efficacy in the five-session group, but a significant decrease was observed in the one-session group (p = .005). Family and friend support increased significantly in the five-session group (p < .001, p = .019). The intervention effect on activity was mediated through change in self-efficacy and family support.


CONCLUSIONS
Five behavioral counseling sessions maintained self-efficacy and increased family and friend support although the intervention did not directly affect activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention can be replicated within various community settings.
Creighton University, School of Nursing, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. cindycostanzo@creighton.edu
Cindy
C
Costanzo
Susan Noble
SN
Walker
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D009329:Nebraska; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires