title: Utility of stages of change construct in the planning of physical activity interventions among playgroup mothers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this research was to assess the physical activity levels among a unique cohort of Western Australian (WA) mothers with young children who attend a WA Playgroup. Associated factors were also investigated, including self-efficacy for physical activity, social support for exercise, relevant socio-demographic correlates, as well as the stages of change construct within the Transtheoretical Model (TTM).
  
  
  RESULTS
  421 women completed a questionnaire assessing physical activity behaviours. Of these, 368 participants completed the relevant physical activity evaluation items. 82.5% and 17.5% of the sample were classified as active and inactive, respectively. Associations between physical activity status and exercise stage of change were found. Additional associations were established for partner support and self-efficacy for physical activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of the sample was classified as active. Despite the high percentage of active participants, this study confirms the usefulness of the stages of change measure in that it can be utilised by health promotion practitioners to report physical activity behaviour and develop appropriate intervention strategies among a time poor and hard to reach population. Specifically the results are relevant to mothers in over 16,000 WA families who are involved with Playgroup WA programs. Interventions aimed at improving physical activity levels in mothers with young children should also consider the need to improve self-efficacy and social support.
authors.affiliation: Western Australian Centre for Health Promotion Research, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Western Australia, Perth, Australia. Carlie.Jones@curtin.edu.au
authors.forename: Carlie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Jonine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jancey
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Howat
authors.forename: Satvinder
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dhaliwal
authors.forename: Sharyn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McManus
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Hills
authors.forename: Annie S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D009043:Motor Activity; D010988:Play and Playthings; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014904:Western Australia; D055815:Young Adult
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