Effects of a Self‐Efficacy Intervention on Exercise: The Moderating Role of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

The paper examines the influence of a brief tailored intervention on exercise levels and self-efficacy beliefs in the context of participants' health status. We hypothesised that the effects of a self-efficacy intervention targeting more frequent exercise would be larger among people with diabetes or cardiovascular diseases (CVD), compared to the effects of the intervention among individuals without such diseases. The treatment was tailored to participants' self-efficacy and was delivered by e-mail. Data from 187 adults were collected at two measurement points, with a 6-month follow-up. Participants reported their exercise frequency and self-efficacy scores, along with several social-cognitive variables, such as risk perception and intentions. Besides the influence of the intervention on exercise and self-efficacy, we found that the treatment effects were moderated by diabetes or CVD: Participants with those illnesses benefited from the intervention, compared to people without such diagnosis. Among participants with CVD or diabetes the effects of the intervention on behavior were mediated by changes in efficacy beliefs. The results indicated that a parsimonious treatment may contribute to change in exercise over the longer term, in particular among individuals with a disease related to the respective behavior. Changes in behavior may be explained by changes in respective beliefs. Cet article traite de l'impact d'une brève intervention ad hoc sur les croyances relatives à l'auto-efficience et sur le niveau d'exercice physique auprès de sujets dont l'état de santé différait. Nous avons fait l'hypothèse que les retombées d'une intervention sur l'auto-efficience visant à davantage d'activité physique chez des gens souffrant de diabète ou de maladies cardio-vasculaires (MCV)

Awareness, risk perception and behavioural intention in patients with a myocardial infarction

“…[12] No associations were found between the degree of perceived risk of MI or other serious cardiovascular diseases and the level of behavioural intention to become physically active in patients with and without cardiovascular diseases and diabetes between 18-60 years of age. [13] Similarly, no association was seen in the degree of perceived risk of cardiovascular disease and the level of behavioural intention to increase fruit and vegetable intake in women 30-64 years old. [14] Healthy women 18-24 years old showed a low level of awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and a low behavioural intention to change smoking, overweight and physical inactivity behaviours.…”

“…In several studies the association between awareness or risk perception of cardiovascular risk factors and behavioural intention for a number of lifestyle related risk factors seems inconclusive, both positive relationship [12] and no relationship are reported. [13][14][15] A high level of perceived risk of smoking associated health problems was related to a high behavioural intention to stop smoking in healthy people 19-69 years of age. [12] No associations were found between the degree of perceived risk of MI or other serious cardiovascular diseases and the level of behavioural intention to become physically active in patients with and without cardiovascular diseases and diabetes between 18-60 years of age.…”

“…[25] Three measurements (length and weight for calculation BMI plus waist circumference) were used to determine overweight. [26,27] Because no Dutch instruments were available, valid nonDutch instruments [13,[28][29][30][31][32][33] were selected to measure awareness, risk perception and behavioural intention associated with the risk factors smoking, overweight, physical inactivity, more than recommended alcohol intake, and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. These items were translated according to the procedure described by Brislin.…”

“…The 2 questions concerning risk perception ("Compared to other people of the same age and gender, how likely is it that you would have (a) myocardial infarction (b) other severe cardiovascular events?") [13] were scored with a 7 point Likert scale (minimum score -3, maximum score +3). The mean score was calculated.…”

“…[9][10][11] The association between awareness or risk perception of cardiovascular risk factors and behavioural intention for a number of lifestyle related risk factors seems inconclusive, both positive relationship [12] and no relationship are reported. [13][14][15] The current Dutch Heart Rehabilitation Standard directs professionals to provide patient education after hospital discharge of a patient with MI. [16] Patient education after discharge is indicated because it is difficult to provide information during the short length of hospitalization (5 days or less).…”