Physical Activity Based on the BASNEF Model Constructs in Women with a Child Less Than Two Years of Age

Abstract

Background: Lack of physical activity plays an important role in increasing blood pressure, diabetes, elevated lipids, and obesity. Postpartum women are at risk for low physical activity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the status of physical activity based on beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors (BASNEF) model constructs at the postpartum period in women attending the centers of comprehensive health services. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 217 randomly selected mothers who had a child less than 2 years of age in Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, northwest of Iran. A researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information and BASNEF model components was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed in SPSS software version 22 and using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression. Results: Results showed that 89% of mothers had low or no physical activity. According to the findings, despite the fact that all three components of knowledge, attitude, and subjective norms somewhat predicted the intention to engage in physical activity, the predictive ability of the subjective norms with a correlation coefficient of 0.34 was statistically significant (P < 0.001) in predicting the mother’s physical activity. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the level of physical activity of studied women after childbirth was undesirable. Designing and implementing interventions by health managers and providers to change women’s behavior and encouraging them to do physical activity is necessary.