Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Malay-Language Transtheoretical Model of Physical Activity among Malaysian Primary School Children

Introduction

The transtheoretical model (TTM) is an integrative model of intentional change consisting of stages of change, processes of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy. This study aimed at validating the TTM questionnaires on physical activity for Malaysian children using confirmatory factor analysis.

Methods

The participants were 381 Malay students (188 male; 193 female), aged 10–12 years old, with a mean age of 10.94 (SD = 0.81). The original version of the TTM was translated into the Malay language using forward and backward translation. Certain phrases were adapted based on the local culture and vocabulary suitable for primary school students.

Results

The final measurement models and their fit indices were: processes of change (CFI = 0.939, TLI = 0.925, SRMR = 0.040, RMSEA = 0.030); decisional balance (CFI = 0.897, TLI = 0.864, SRMR = 0.045, RMSEA = 0.038); and self-efficacy (CFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.915, SRMR = 0.042, RMSEA = 0.032).

Conclusion

Care must be taken when using the TTM with children, as it has been prevalently validated with adults. The final version of the TTM questionnaire for Malay primary school children had 24 items for process of changes, 13 items for self-efficacy and 10 items for decisional balance.

Physical Activity Stage of Change and Its Related Factors in Secondary School Students of Sarableh City: A Perspective from Iran

BACKGROUND:

Physical activity is highly beneficial to health. These benefits are so important and indispensable for adolescents.

AIM:

The aim of this study was to investigate the Physical activity stage of change and its related factors in the male secondary School students of Sarableh city.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

In a cross-sectional study, 261 male secondary School students possessing the eligibility criteria were selected using the simple random sampling technique. After giving their informed consent, the students filled the stage of change questionnaire and the structures of the transtheoretical model in a self-reporting manner. Using SPSS.21, the data were analysed through One-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation test with a 0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the students was 16.16±0.89 years. According to the stage of change, 26.8 per cent (n = 70) were in preaction stages (precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation) and 73.2 per cent (n = 191) were in action and maintenance stages. The one-way ANOVA revealed that awareness is raising, self-reevaluation, counter conditioning and reinforcing management differed significantly across stages (P < 0.05). However, this difference is not significant for other cognitive and behavioural processes (P > 0.05). According to the findings, increase in the self-efficacy, pros and decrease in cons was found by students’ progress in the Physical activity stage of change (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Self-efficacy and processes of change are warranted when designing Physical activity stage interventions in the adolescents.