A Study on the Stages of Change in Caregiver's Exercise Behavior

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the differences by the stages of change in exercise behaviors of caregivers based on Transtheoretical Model. Methods: The subjects were consisted of randomly chosen 105 caregivers working in a nursing home. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square test, ANOVA and Duncan test using IBM SPSS Statistics 19. Results: The results showed that in the stages of exercise behaviors, there were most participants in contemplation stage with 24.7%, followed by 22.8% in preparation, 21.9% maintenance, 19.0% action and 11.4% pre-contemplation. As for the process of change by the stages of change in exercise behaviors, it showed statistically significant differences in behavioral strategies (F=7.64, p<.001). In decisional balance, pros (F=3.75, p=.007) showed statistical significance, with higher pros in all stages except pre-contemplation. Self-efficacy was also statistically significant (F=6.25, p<.001), especially in the maintenance stage. Conclusion: This study suggested that in order to encourage caregivers to exercise, a strategic intervention to reinforce the process of change, recognition of positive decision-making and promotion of self-efficacy in exercise behaviors should be developed.