The factors influencing moderate intensity and strengthening activity intentions across the menopausal transition

Abstract

Background: Undertaking minimum levels of moderate intensity and strengthening activity has numerous health benefits particularly across the menopausal transition. However, the proportion of women meeting recommended levels declines across the life course with postmenopausal women least likely to be active. The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the decision to undertake moderate intensity and strengthening activities across the menopausal transition, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework. Methods: The sample comprised of 186 females (Mage = 47, SD = 9, age range: 30-64 years). A questionnaire assessed self-reported physical activity levels and TPB variables (affective/instrumental attitudes, injunctive/descriptive norms, self-efficacy/perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention) for both modes of physical activity. Data was analysed using correlational analyses, Analysis of Variance and regression analyses. Findings: The results showed that self-efficacy (β = .578, p<.001) was the strongest predictor of intentions to perform moderate intensity activity followed by affective attitudes (β = .168, p<.007) and descriptive norms (β = .126, p<.027). Menopausal status had a statistically significant effect on mean weights for affective attitude. However post hoc test indicated that this trend was just outside an acceptable significance level (p=.062). With regards to strengthening activity, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions (β = .382, p<.001) followed by affective attitudes (β = .279, p<.001). Discussion: Future interventions to promote moderate intensity and strengthening activity within the target population should consider including active ingredients to increase self-efficacy, affective attitudes and descriptive norms.