The effect of the physical activity program developed according to the precede-proceed model on the physical activity level and physical activity behavior of elementary school students.

Purpose: The present study aims to investigate the effect of the physical activity program developed according to the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model on children's physical activity level, physical activity self-efficacy, and attitude.

Design and methods: This study was conducted in an experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. Considering the possibility of data loss during the research, 178 students between the ages of 9 and 11 were included in the study, 89 in the intervention group and 89 in the control group. The exercises were carried out three days a week for 30 min in the school garden and gym, and the training was carried out in the classrooms one day a week.

Results: A significant difference is observed between the mean scores of the children's physical activity questionnaire at the interim follow-up (t = 2.885, p < 0.01) and post-test (t = 12.588, p < 0.01) stages, when comparing the groups of students (p < 0.05). It was determined that the post-test physical activity self-efficacy scale scores for the intervention group were markedly higher than those observed for the control group (t = 11.548, p < 0.01). Significant differences between the two groups in terms of physical activity attitudes were observed at the intermediate follow-up (t = 4.157, p < 0.01) and post-test (t = 9.197, p < 0.01) stages.

Conclusion: According to this study, the physical activity program increased children's physical activity levels as well as their self-efficacy and attitudes towards physical activity.

Practice implications: School health nurses can facilitate student engagement in physical activity by collaborating closely with school administrators and parents.