Physical Exercise Behavior among Pharmacy Studentsaccording to the Transtheoretical Model

Abstract

Introduction: This research aimed to investigate exercise behavior of pharmacy students in Northeastern  Thailand  based  on  the  Transtheoretical  model  (TTM). Methods: A  cross-sectional study  was  conducted.  The  samples were  pharmacy  students  at three  institutes,  including  Ubon Ratchathani  University,  Mahasarakham  University  and Khon Kaen  University  during  the  2016 academic year. Data was collected by online questionnaires according to the Transtheoretical model. Descriptive  statistics  and  binary  logistic  regression  were  used  for  analysis Results: Four hundred ninety students voluntarily participated in this study. About three-fourths were female (75.31%)  Most participants were Ubon Ratchathani university students (70.82%)  About half had normal body mass index (54.69%)  Most of the participants were lack of exercise. Based on TTM, they were classified as in preparation contemplation and precontemplation (43.1%, 21.4% and 10.0% respectively).  Mean scores  of  self-efficacy  and  processes  of  change  constructs  were  at  medium  level  (2.54  + 0.53 and 2.60 + 0.47 respectively, range 1 to 4) Decisional balance score was high (3.08 + 0.39). Based on binary logistic regression, participants} exercise stages were divided into two groups as active stage (action  and  maintenance)  and  inactive  stage (precontemplation,  contemplation  and  preparation). There were statistically significant association  between exercise stage and gender, self-efficacy and processes of change. Male were higher in exercise active stage as compared to female (Odds ratio = 2.26  (95%  CI  =  1.37  -  3.72).  Self-efficacy  and  processes  of  change  constructs  had  positive association with exercise active stage (Odds ratio = 2.50 (1.46 - 4.28) and Odds ratio = 3.92 (2.12 g 7.25)  respectively). Conclusions: Finding  shows  that  most  pharmacy  students  were  in  the  inactive stage for exercise. Universities should create campaigns on exercise behavior by implementing stage- matched intervention and placing a focus on female students as well as self-efficacy development.