Stage of change movement across three health behaviors: the role of self-efficacy.

Purpose: In this study, we examined the influence of self-efficacy in predicting stage of change (SOC) movement, without intervention, over a 1-month period for smoking cessation, exercise adoption, and dietary fat reduction.

Design: The design of this study was longitudinal. Patients' stage of change and self-efficacy were assessed at baseline, and stage of change was reassessed at a 1-month follow-up. Patients were categorized as (1) Regressors (moved backward at least one stage), (2) Stables (no change), or (3) Progressors (moved forward at least one stage). Chi-square analyses were used to determine the ability of self-efficacy to predict stage movement at 1-month follow-up.

Setting: The data were collected at a large, inner city, academic hospital in the southeastern United States. Patients were attending primary care clinics.

Subjects: Five hundred fifty-four low income, predominantly African-American, individuals attending primary care clinics were participants in the study.

Measures: Previously validated scales of stage of change and self-efficacy from Prochaska's laboratory were used in this study.

Results: Results showed statistically significant differences between predicted and actual SOC movement for smoking cessation, exercise adoption, and dietary fat intake reduction. Baseline self-efficacy ratings were significantly related to stage progression, regression, and stability of stage of change for all three health behaviors. Thirty-seven percent of smokers who were predicted to progress on the basis of their self-efficacy scores progressed. For exercise adoption and dietary fat reduction, 50% and 44%, respectively, of individuals expected to progress at least one stage on the basis of self-efficacy scores progressed.

Conclusion: Self-efficacy influences SOC movement for smoking cessation, dietary fat reduction, and exercise adoption.