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Objectives: To examine potential mediators of adolescent girls' dietary behavior change in the Nutrition and Enjoyable Activity for Teen Girls (NEAT Girls) intervention for obesity prevention. Methods: Participants were 294 adolescent girls attending 12 secondary schools located in low-income communities of New South Wales, Australia. Hypothesized social cognitive mediators of dietary behavior change were assessed using valid and reliable scales. Results: The intervention effects on dietary outcomes and hypothesized mediators were not statistically significant. However, changes in hypothesized mediators were associated with changes in key dietary behaviors. Conclusions: Continued research is needed to examine effective strategies for improving dietary outcomes in youth, and to explore alternative theoretical mechanisms of dietary behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the determinants of physical activity (PA) in young adult cancer survivors (YACS). Methods: A survey of 588 YACS in Alberta, Canada, assessed PA, medical and demographical factors, and theory of planned behavior variables. Results: Path analysis explained 38% (P<.001) of the variance in PA with significant contributions from intention, planning, affective attitude, education, and general health. In turn, 56% (P<.001) of the variance in intention was explained by perceived behavioral control, instrumental attitude, and affective attitude. Conclusion: PA interventions in YACS should focus on developing strong intentions by targeting perceived behavioral control, instrumental attitude, and affective attitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine demographic, medical, social cognitive, and environmental predictors of aerobic physical activity and resistance training in a population sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Two hundred forty-four (244) participants completed questionnaires with a 3-month follow-up. Multiple and logistic regression models examined predictors of aerobic activity and resistance training. Results: Several factors were associated with higher levels of both aerobic physical activity and resistance training; self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for both modes of activity. Conclusions: The findings can guide physical activity promotion interventions and programs for this population, profiling those who are least active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine predictors of physical activity (PA) 6 months after a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Breast cancer survivors (N=377) completed assessments at baseline, postintervention, and 6 months after the intervention. Data were collected on demographic, medical, psychosocial, motivational, and behavioral variables at baseline, postintervention, and 6 months. Results: Survivors meeting PA guidelines at baseline (OR=5.54, 95% CI=2.99-9.82, P<0.001) and postintervention (OR = 2.92, 95% CI=1.63-5.23, P<0.001) had a greater likelihood of meeting PA guidelines at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions: Interventions promoting PA maintenance should focus on optimizing PA behavior, psychosocial functioning, and motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify demo- graphic, health, and behavioral factors associated with smoking behavior in adults with diabetes. Methods: Canadian adults 18+ years with type 1 (n=697) or type 2 (n=1621) were investigated. Logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for both diabetes subgroups. Results: When comparing never versus ever smokers, never versus current smokers,and former smokers who quit versus current smokers, similarities and differences for demographic, health, and behavioral factors were found for the 2 diabetes subgroups. Conclusions: Diabetes type, demographic, health, and behavioral factors should be considered when tailoring smoking cessation and prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the utility of the protection motivation theory (PMT), social-cognitive theory (SCT) and transtheoretical model's (TTM) processes of change (POC) by (1) discriminating between TTM's stages with planned comparisons and (2) examining higher-ordered trends across stages. Methods: 1582 individuals were included in the analyses that tested severity, vulnerability, response-efficacy, self-efficacy, POC, pros and cons, social and environmental support. Results: The findings provide evidence for the utility of the PMT and TTM's POC for stage discrimination; stage discontinuity patterns are supported. Conclusions: Promotion of health behavior should target stage-specific variables, such as threat appraisals for early stage movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the determinants of physical activity (PA) in young adult cancer survivors (YACS)., Methods: A survey of 588 YACS in Alberta, Canada, assessed PA, medical and demographical factors, and theory of planned behavior variables., Results: Path analysis explained 38% (P<.001) of the variance in PA with significant contributions from intention, planning, affective attitude, education, and general health. In turn, 56% (P<.001) of the variance in intention was explained by perceived behavioral control, instrumental attitude, and affective attitude., Conclusion: PA interventions in YACS should focus on developing strong intentions by targeting perceived behavioral control, instrumental attitude, and affective attitude.