Modifying the Pattern of Tendency to Health-related Behaviors in Adolescent Boys

Abstract

Background and Objectives Physical activity is one of the main lifestyle variables related to health. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an educational program based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in improving the attitude and intention of male adolescents regarding physical activity. Subjects and Methods In the present study, 40 male high school students were divided into two groups of intervention (n=20) and control (n=20). The educational package was designed and provided to them at 10 sessions. Two 18-item TPB-based questionnaires related to attitude towards physical activity and intention to participate in sports activities were used. Results The educational program explained 0.238% of changes in attitudes, 0.189% of changes in knowledge, 0.247% of changes in subjective norms, 0.071% of changes in perceived behavioral control, 0.261% of changes in behavioral intentions. In total, it explained 0.458% of changes in intention to participate in/attitude towards sports activities. The educational program explained 0.609% of changes in attitude, 0.363% of changes in knowledge, 0.017% of changes in perceived behavioral control, and 0.015% of changes in behavioral intention. In total, it explained 0.731% of changes in students’ intention to participate in/attitude towards sports events. Conclusion The TPB-based educational program is effective in promoting high school students’ attitude towards physical activity and their intention to participate in sports events and thus improve their health.