Age and gender differences in the stages of change for six health-related behaviours: A pilot study in New Zealand

Abstract

Objective To use the stages of change model to examine six health-related behaviours.

Design and Setting This pilot study collected data using an anonymous questionnaire. Non-probability sampling recruited community service group members and students in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Four hundred and sixty responses were received (response rate 53 per cent).

Method The questionnaire investigated stage of change distributions for six health-related behaviours. These behaviours were avoidance of a high- fat diet, eating a high-fibre diet, attempting to lose weight, undertaking exercise, stress reduction, and conducting cancer self-examinations. Parametric statistics were used to identify gender and age differences in the stage distributions.

Results For all behaviours, except losing weight, approximately two-thirds of the sample reported performing the behaviour, 10 per cent reported thinking about behaviour change; the remainder reported being at precontemplation or contemplation. Significant gender differences were found for all behaviours, except eating fibre. Significant age differences were found for the behaviours of avoiding fat, eating fibre, reducing stress, and conducting cancer self-examinations. The behaviours showing the most extensive between-behaviour associations were avoiding fat, eating fibre, and conducting cancer self-examinations.

Conclusions Support was found for a continuum of change from 'ignoring', to 'thinking about' to 'performing' healthy behaviour. Age and gender differences were identified within these distributions and between behaviour analyses highlighted potential gateway behaviours. The stage of change concept coupled with age and gender tailoring has potential to improve both the design and evaluation of public health programmes.