Predictive factors of regular physical activity among middle-aged women in West of Iran,Hamadan: Application of PRECEDE model

Background: regular physical activity is important for midlife women. models and theories help better understanding this behavior among middle-aged women and better planning for change behavior in target group. this study aimed to investigate predictive factors of regular physical activity among middle-aged women based on precede model as a theoretical framework. methods: this descriptive-analytical study was performed on 866 middle-aged women of hamadan city western iran,recruited with a proportional stratified sampling method in 2015. the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including questions on demographic characteristics and precede model constructs and ipaq questionnaire. data were then analyzed by spss-16 and amos-16 using the pearson correlation test and the pathway analysis method. results: overall,57% of middle-aged women were inactive (light level) or not sufficiently active. with sem (structural equation modeling) analysis,knowledge b=0.84,p<0.001,attitude b=0.799,p<0.001,self-efficacy b=0.633,p<0.001 as predisposing factor and social support as reinforcing factor b=0.2,p<0.001 were the most important predictors for physical activity among middle-aged women in hamadan. conclusions: the framework of the precede model is useful in understanding regular physical activity among middle-aged women. furthermore,results showed the importance of predisposing and reinforcing factors when planning educational interventions.