Predictors of regular physical activity behavior and quality of life in post-menopausal Iranian women based on the multi-theory model

This research aims to identify the predictive factors related to the initiation and sustaining of regular physical activity behaviors and their influence in adapting to menopausal symptoms. The study uses the multi-theory model (MTM) as the conceptual framework. The descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted on 200 post-menopausal women aged 45-55 years. All participants were referred to health centers, where they completed a three-part questionnaire involving: demographic information, a questionnaire on the influence of regular physical activity on the onset and sustaining of menopause using the MTM, and a standard questionnaire of menopausal quality of life. Data were collected, managed, and analyzed using SPSS 20 and AMOS 23 software. This study reveals that behavioral confidence and changes in the physical environment with coefficients of 0.55 and 0.14 respectively had a direct and significant impact on the initiation of regular physical activity-related behaviors during menopause. The construct of participatory dialogue had no significant impact on the initiation of regular physical activity-related behaviors and menopause. Regarding the sustainability of regular physical activity, the emotional transformation construct with a coefficient of 0.73 and change in social environment construct with a coefficient of 0.11 directly and significantly impact keeping regular physical activity behaviors due to menopause. Therefore, interventions based on the MTM can prove very useful for this specific population. In addition, the use of constructs validated by this study will especially be useful in producing evidence-based intervention for the target population.