predictive factors of regular physical activity among middle-aged women in the west of iran, hamadan: application of precede model

background : regular physical activity is important for midlife women. models and theories help better understanding this behavior among middle-aged women and better planning for change behavior in target group. this study aimed to investigate predictive factors of regular physical activity among middle-aged women based on precede model as a theoretical framework. methods : this descriptive-analytical study was performed on 866 middle-aged women of hamadan city western iran, recruited with a proportional stratified sampling method in 2015. the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including questions on demographic characteristics and precede model constructs and ipaq questionnaire. data were then analyzed by spss-16 and amos-16 using the pearson correlation test and the pathway analysis method. results : overall, 57% of middle-aged women were inactive (light level) or not sufficiently active. with sem (structural equation modeling) analysis, knowledge b=0.84, p <0.001, attitude b=0.799, p <0.001, self-efficacy b=0.633, p <0.001 as predisposing factor and social support as reinforcing factor b=0.2, p <0.001 were the most important predictors for physical activity among middle-aged women in hamadan. conclusions : the framework of the precede model is useful in understanding regular physical activity among middle-aged women. furthermore, results showed the importance of predisposing and reinforcing factors when planning educational interventions.