Application of the transtheoretical model: exercise behavior in Korean adults with metabolic syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Although regular exercise has been recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people with metabolic syndrome, little information is available about psychobehavioral strategies in this population.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the stages, processes of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy of exercise behavior and to determine the significant predictors explaining regular exercise behavior in adults with metabolic syndrome.


METHODS
This descriptive, cross-sectional survey design enrolled a convenience sample of 210 people with metabolic syndrome at a university hospital in South Korea. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic characteristics, metabolic syndrome risk factors, and transtheoretical model-related variables. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the most important predictors of regular exercise stages.


RESULTS
Action and maintenance stages comprised 51.9% of regular exercise stages, whereas 48.1% of non-regular exercise stages were precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages. Adults with regular exercise stages displayed increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, were more likely to use consciousness raising, self-reevaluation, and self-liberation strategies, and were less likely to evaluate the merits/disadvantages of exercise, compared with those in non-regular exercise stages.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study of regular exercise behavior and transtheoretical model-related variables, consciousness raising, self-reevaluation, and self-liberation were associated with a positive effect on regular exercise behavior in adults with metabolic syndrome. Our findings could be used to develop strategies and interventions to maintain regular exercise behavior directed at Korean adults with metabolic syndrome to reduce CVD risk. Further prospective intervention studies are needed to investigate the effect of regular exercise program on the prevention and/or reduction of CVD risk among this population. Health care providers, especially nurses, are optimally positioned to help their clients initiate and maintain regular exercise behavior in clinical and community settings.
Department of Adult Health Nursing, Ajou University College of Nursing, Suwon, South Korea.
Chun-Ja
CJ
Kim
Bom-Taeck
BT
Kim
Sun-Mi
SM
Chae
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires