Understanding physical activity intentions and behavior in postmenopausal women: An application of the theory of planned behavior

Background In the present paper, we report the social cognitive correlates of physical activity (PA) intentions in postmenopausal women using the two-component theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework. Purpose The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the utility of the TPB in understanding PA behavior in postmenopausal women. Method Postmenopausal women (N=297) residing in Southern Alberta, Canada completed a mailed questionnaire that assessed self-reported PA and TPB constructs. Results Data indicated that 67% of postmenopausal women intended to engage in PA behavior consistent with the public health PA guidelines. Multiple regression analysis suggested that the TPB model explained 44% of the variance in PA intentions with instrumental attitude (β= 0.33), affective attitude (β=0.29), descriptive norm (β= 0.19), and self-efficacy (β=0.24) making significant contributions to PA intentions. Postmenopausal women meeting PA guidelines reported higher scores across all TPB variables when compared to women not meeting PA guidelines. Unique behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were also elicited. Conclusion The two-component TPB framework appears to be a useful model for understanding PA intentions and behavior in postmenopausal women. These data can be used in the development and establishment of PA behavior intervention and health promotion materials designed to facilitate PA intentions and behavior in postmenopausal women.