A Structural Equation Model to Predict the Social-Cognitive Determinants Related to Physical Activity in Iranian Women with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Lifestyle-modification programs including physical activity are essential for both treatment and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). However, factors associated with physical activity among patients are poorly understood. This study applied Social-Cognitive Theory (SCT) for predicting determinants of physical activity among women with T2DM in Iran, 2013. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, partial least square path modeling (PLS-PM) was used as an estimation technique for structural equation model. This model specified hypotheses between components of Social-cognitive Theory on physical activity behavior. A random sample of 300 women with T2DM was selected, and completed SCT constructs instrument. Data were analyzed using statistical software WarpPLS Ver. 4.0. Results: The model explained 26% of the variance in physical activity. Self-regulation, task self-efficacy and barrier self-efficacy were significantly direct predictors of physical activity among women with T2DM. Task self-efficacy, social support and modeling had significantly indirect effects on physical activity behavior (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings showed evidence for adequacy of a theoretical framework that could be used to predict physical activity behavior among women with T2DM.