A causal model of exercise behaviors among undergraduate students based on the PRECEDE model

บทคัดย่อ

This research aimed to develop and examine the validity of a model of
causal relationships among predisposing factors (PF), enabling factors (EF),
and reinforcing factors (RF) that affected the exercise behavior (EX) of students
at Prince of Songkla University. The sample was 418 undergraduate students
at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, selected using a multistage
random sampling method. The instrument used was a questionnaire. Statistical
data were analyzed using frequency, mean, percentage, and standard deviation,
confirmatory component analysis, and linear structural equation model analysis
(path analysis). The results revealed that the causal model of exercise behavior
among undergraduate students according to the PRECEDE health promotion
planning concept corresponded well with the empirical data (Chi-square; χ² =
60.900, df = 46.00, p = .06, GFI = 0.98, AGFI = 0.96, CFI = 1.00, SRMR = 0.03,
and RMSEA = 0.02). The variables in the model accounted for 71 percent of the
variance in exercise behavior. The variable (PF) had a direct influence on (EF)
and (EX), with effect sizes of 0.71 and 0.34, respectively, and had an indirect
influence on (RF) through (EF) and (EX) with effect sizes of 0.60 and 0.40,
respectively. In addition, (EF) had a direct influence on (RF) and (EX), with
effect sizes of 0.85 and 0.44, respectively, while (EF) was indirectly influenced
by (EX), with an effect size of 0.12. Additionally, (RF) directly influenced (EX),
with an effect size of 0.14, which was statistically significant at the .01 level.