The predictors of physical activity among health volunteers based on pender\'s health promotion model

One of the consequences of living in this century of machine and technology development is poverty in movement and reduction in physical activity. This study aimed to examine the predictive factors of physical activity in health volunteers based on the structures of Pender's health promotion model. This study was perform 80 health volunteers working at urban and rural health centers that were selected by multistage random sampling. Data were gathered by using a questionnaire for which the validity and reliability were confirmed. The results showed that despite a relatively high awareness about the benefits of physical activity (earning an mean score of 30.6 ± 3.8on perceived benefits out of 40), 55% of participants did not have a good physical activity. There was a significant positive correlation between physical activity behavior and health promotion model variables such as perceived barriers, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy. A total of 66.8% of the variance of physical activity behavior were explained by health promotion model variables that among them, self-efficacy, positive feelings associated with the behavior, and situational influences were the strongest predictor. According to the results, physical activity in health volunteers is low and interventions are needed to improve this behavior. The design of training programs for promotion of physical activity should be focused on strategies to strengthen self-motivation in individuals and families at their homes and improve workplaces.