Web-based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among Iranian youth using the transtheoretical model

BACKGROUND: Sedentary habits may increase the noncommunicable disease risk factors, and few teens get enough physical activity. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effects of a web-based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among adolescents using the transtheoretical model (TTM). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 278 high school students who were randomly allocated into one of the three groups: two web-based intervention groups. The intervention groups 1 and 2 received education through web (www.salamat.family), but the second group received educational strategies based on TTM. Five questionnaires were applied two times before the intervention and 6 months after the intervention. And, in the control group, the data were collected using stage of exercise behavior change questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Student's t-test and two-way analysis of variance, and McNemar's test were applied to compare before and after the intervention. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean differences for TTM constructs related to exercise behaviors (processes of change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance) in intervention groups 1 and 2 were very higher than the control group. Participants in intervention groups 1 and 2 who had low or moderate physical activity before the intervention were placed in high physical activity after it. CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, education on PA based on website effective, but if we use education based on TTM, it will be more useful on the behavior.