Effects of action planning and coping planning within the theory of planned behaviour: A physical activity study of patients undergoing haemodialysis

ObjectivePatients on dialysis have low physical activity levels. The aim of the study was to examine the validity of action planning and coping planning within the theory of planned behaviour framework, for predicting physical activity behaviour of patients on haemodialysis.DesignThis is a prospective study design.MethodsOne hundred and forty-four patients who were undergoing haemodialysis were selected from dialysis centres. The mean age of the patients was 56.61 (SD = 11.38) years. The patients completed a questionnaire including variables from the theory of planned behaviour, action planning and coping planning. Physical activity was prospectively assessed at 4-weeks with the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire self-report measure. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of action planning and coping planning on physical activity behaviour.ResultsThere was a main effect for coping planning but not for action planning. Moreover, the analyses resulted in a significant amount of incremental variance accounted for by the interaction of coping planning and intention.ConclusionResults suggest the combination of high levels of coping planning and intention is associated with increases in physical activity.

► Coping planning improved predictive validity of the theory of planned behaviour model by 4%. ► Coping planning and intention had synergistic effects on physical activity. ► Tailoring interventions to people in a particular level of intention is a promising procedure.