Biomedical subjects

G Godin

Publications and source records attributed to G Godin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Nurses' intentions to provide home care: the impact of AIDS and homosexuality.

The purpose of this experimental study was to identify key factors influencing the intention of nurses (n = 102) to provide care at home to AIDS or leukaemia patients, homosexual or heterosexual. Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour with the addition of personal normative belief borrowed from Triandis's theory defined the theoretical framework. Homophobia and social desirability were also assessed as control variables. All nurses completed a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire after reading one of the four randomly-assigned vignettes that described the context of care. Sexual orientation of the patient influenced the personal normative belief (p < 0.05), and type of disease affected significantly perceived subjective social norm (p < 0.05). The regression of intention on all variables yielded an adjusted R2 of 0.48 (p < 0.0001), with perceived behavioural control, personal normative belief, attitude and homophobia being the significant predictors. In conclusion, nurses need to be better informed, better prepared and have better skills in order to provide appropriate care to homosexual AIDS patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Sexual risk and HIV-testing behaviour by gay and bisexual men in Canada.

Behavioural epidemiology is an important aspect of HIV research, particularly among marginalized populations where measurement of rates of infection have not been conducted. This Canadian study provides a country-wide analysis of the characteristics and behaviours of gay and bisexual men, and examines the influence of geographic, socio-demographic and lifestyle influences on sexual behaviour and test-seeking. A purposive sample of 4,803 men was recruited through gay-identified venues. In order to provide national representation seven sampling strata were defined. Data were collected by self-completed questionnaire. A three-level hierarchical logistic regression analysis is used to model two behaviours, unprotected anal intercourse and test-seeking. The results showed that, nationally, 22.9% of respondents reported at least one episode of unprotected anal intercourse in the previous 3 months, and 63% had been tested. Characteristics and behaviours of men varied across the country. Geographic differences appear to be less important in explaining unprotected anal intercourse than test-seeking. In conclusion, policy, programmes and social environment appear to exert an important influence on test-seeking, whereas cultural and psychosocial dimensions appear to have a greater influence on sexual behaviour.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

PubMed1996

HIV seropositive gay men: understanding adoption of safe sexual practices.

The aim of this study was to determine the best predictors of safe sex practices among HIV seropositive gay men. A group of 96 homosexual men living with HIV completed a questionnaire that investigated theoretical constructs of the Ajzen's (1988) theory of planned behavior with respect to condom use for anal intercourse and sexual practices without anal intercourse. Other variables such as Triandis's (1977) construct of personal normative belief, psychological distress, and alcohol and drug use before sexual encounters were also investigated. Results indicated that the best predictor of intention to use condoms was perceived behavioral control. Personal normative belief was another important predictor of this intention. Although the best predictor of intention to have only sex without anal intercourse was perceived subjective norm, this intention was also significantly explained by perceived behavioral control. Moreover, perceived behavioral control was a significant predictor of having only sex without anal intercourse. Public health interventions among HIV seropositive gay men should aim mainly at increasing perception of behavioral control.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Health risk appraisal in an occupational setting and its impact on exercise behavior.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a health risk appraisal (HRA) activity on exercise intention and behavior modification. In a mixed experimental and quasiexperimental design, three groups of subjects were formed: (1) preintervention, (2) postintervention, and (3) control. In the experimental design, the results showed that the employees in the postintervention group had, immediately after the HRA activity, an increased intention to exercise regularly compared with the employees in the preintervention group. According to the quasiexperimental design, the employees exposed to the HRA activity did not, 2 months later, report regular exercise behavior that differed from that of the employees in the comparison group. It is suggested that an HRA activity should be supplemented with regular additional interventions over a given period of time to be successful in supporting the process of translating exercise intention into behavior.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Theories of reasoned action and planned behavior: usefulness for exercise promotion.

The following paper gives a summary of the published studies that have applied the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior to the prediction of exercising intentions and behavior. The paper focuses primarily on the knowledge gained from the application of these theories and how these theoretical frameworks could potentially be used in guiding the development of exercise promotion programs.

Exercise↗

PubMed1993

Frequency of sexually transmitted diseases among university students.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among university students and evaluate the associated sociodemographic factors. DESIGN: Mail survey in April 1990. Included in the questionnaire were questions about the subjects' STD experience since their admission to the university and the type and date of the infection. SUBJECTS: Of the 19,682 undergraduate students 2920 subjects, in 10 groups of 292, were randomly selected. A total of 1731 (59.4%) completed the questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Estimated annualized incidence rates of genital human papillomavirus infection and Chlamydia infection. RESULTS: The estimated annualized incidence rates of genital human papillomavirus and Chlamydia infections were 2.2% and 1.5% respectively. Among the students who indicated being infected with genital human papillomavirus 59% were 18 to 21 years old (p < 0.05), 76% were women (p < 0.01) and 69% had more than one sexual partner (p < 0.01). No statistically significant associations were observed between age, sex and Chlamydia infection. On the other hand, 95% of the cases of Chlamydia infection were found among those who had more than one sexual partner (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: University students continue to have sexual activities at risk for STDs and should be specifically targetted by general practitioners and health services in an effort to slow the spread of STDs.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

The pattern of influence of perceived behavioral control upon exercising behavior: an application of Ajzen's theory of planned behavior.

The aim of the present studies was to verify the basic assumptions underlying the theory of planned behavior for the prediction of exercising intentions and behavior among adults of the general population (study 1) and a group of pregnant women (study 2). In both studies, baseline data were collected at home with trained interviewers and with the use of paper-and-pencil questionnaires. The self-report on behavior was obtained 6 months (study 1) and between 8 and 9 months (study 2) after baseline data collection. In study 1, perceived behavioral control influenced behavior only through intention. In study 2, none of the Ajzen model variables was associated to exercising behavior. Nonetheless, intention was influenced by attitude, habit, and perceived behavioral control. The results of the present studies suggest that perceived behavioral control contributes to the understanding of intentions to exercise but not to the prediction of exercising behavior.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

An application of Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour to predict mothers' intention to use oral rehydration therapy in a rural area of Benin.

The aim of this study was to identify the psychological factors influencing mothers' intentions to use oral rehydration therapy (ORT) for the treatment of children's diarrhea in rural areas in South Benin. The subjects were 128 illiterate and animist mothers, selected at random in the areas of Pahou and Avlekete. Mothers were interviewed at home, using a pre-tested instrument investigating predictors of motivation as defined in Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour. The variables measured were intentions, attitudes, subjective social norm, perceived behavioural control and socio-demographic indicators. The regression of intention on all variables yielded an adjusted R2 of 0.40 (P < 0.0001), with perceived consequences of using ORT, perceived barriers to its use, and the zone of habitation being the significant predictors. The results suggest that the promotion of the use of ORT for treatment of diarrhea, in these areas, should be facilitated if the mothers perception of the advantages of using ORT is reinforced and if they have easier access to the health care services offered by local village health workers.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[Factors associated with at-risk anal relations in homosexual HIV-seropositive men].

This pilot study proposes an index to quantify the intensity of high-risk anal sex and presents factors associated with this practice among 65 homosexual men with HIV infection. All of them answered a self-administered questionnaire. Using multiple logistic regression, we first compared those who had had safe sex in the past six months to those who had had unsafe sex. Variables significantly associated with unsafe sex are: drugs and/or alcohol use with sex, and less favorable attitude towards condom use. Finally, multiple linear regression analysis among respondents who had had unsafe sex indicated that the following factors are associated with higher levels of unsafe sex: men between the ages of 32 and 38, satisfied with their social life, non-smokers, with a less favorable attitude towards condom use, and with few social relationships. These results must be interpreted with caution because of the small number of respondents.

Attitude↗

PubMed1992

Understanding physicians' decision to perform a clinical examination on an HIV seropositive patient.

The main purpose of this study was to identify the psychosocial factors explaining a physician's decision to perform a clinical (physical) examination of an HIV seropositive patient. Eight hundred seventy-nine physicians completed a questionnaire investigating psychosocial variables derived from the theories of Ajzen and Triandis. The mean intention to perform a clinical examination was quite positive (5.4 on a 7-point scale). The regression of intention on all variables yielded an adjusted R2 of .499. Among few significant predictors, by far the most important was the perceived norm among fellow physicians regarding performance of the clinical examination. It is concluded that educational interventions aimed at the physician population should focus on the social role and personal efficacy of physicians regarding this type of clinical examination rather than giving information concerning the low risk of contracting the HIV.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed1992

Predictors of smoking behaviour: an application of Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour.

The aim of the present paper was to verify the basic assumptions underlying the theory of planned behaviour for the prediction of cigarette smoking intentions and behaviour among adults of the general population (study 1) and a group of pregnant women (study 2). Each study was developed based upon Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour. In both studies, baseline data was collected at home with trained interviewers and with the use of paper and pencil questionnaires. The self-report on behaviour was obtained 6 months (study 1) and between 8 and 9 months (study 2) after baseline data collection. In study 1, for smokers, perceived behavioural control, attitudes and subjective norm were explaining intention, whereas perceived behavioural control and habit were the most important predictors of behaviour. In study 2, smoker's intentions was mainly under the influence of perceived behavioural control and attitude, whereas behaviour was predicted by perceived behavioural control only. The present studies suggest that promotional programmes should help smokers to know and develop their will-power regarding non-smoking of cigarettes and should be informed of the effort required in order to modify smoking behaviour.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Self-reported smoking and exercising behaviours during the postnatal period: assessing congruence between spouses.

The aim of the study was to assess the congruence between women's self-reported behaviours during the postnatal period and the answers provided by their husbands. One hundred nineteen couples participated. Firstly, women reported their own smoking and exercising behaviours for four months following childbirth. Subsequently, husbands evaluated their spouses' behaviours over the same period of time. Smoking behaviour was assessed on 5-category scale ranging from non-smoker to daily smoker whereas physical activity was measured on a 6-category scale ranging from no physical activity to regular physical activity. The polychoric correlation coefficients and the weighted Kappa indexes indicated that the degree of congruence between respondent pairs were appropriate, but better for smoking than exercising. The results of the present study support the idea that the information obtained from spouses can be helpful in the assessment of the reliability of the answers provided by their live-in partner, particularly in surveys regarding smoking.

Exercise↗

PubMed1991

Prediction of intention to exercise of individuals who have suffered from coronary heart disease.

The aim of the study was to understand the intention to exercise of individuals who suffer from CHD. A group of 161 cardiac patients completed a questionnaire that investigated intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived barriers, habits, perceived difficulties, and personal normative beliefs with respect to exercising, as well as perceived severity of and perceived vulnerability to re-infarction. Regression of intention yielded an R2 of .41 (p less than .0001), with perceived barriers, habits, and perceived difficulties as the significant predictors. MANOVA indicated that high and low intenders differed (p less than .01) according to their perception of three barriers: difficulties in time management, difficulties in psychological adaptation, and laziness. These results suggest that new guidelines should be adopted for the development of cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs.

Coronary Disease↗

PubMed1990

The prediction of intention to smoke only in designated work site areas.

The aim of the study was to identify the psychosocial factors influencing intention to smoke only in work site areas designated for smoking. The subjects were 71 cigarette smokers who completed a questionnaire investigating intentions, attitudes, subjective social norm, perceived control, past behavior, role beliefs, personal normative belief, and self-efficacy regarding smoking only in restricted work site areas. The regression of intention on all variables yielded an adjusted R2 of .76 (P less than .0001), with personal normative belief (beta = .55, P less than .0001), perceived self-efficacy (beta = .26, P less than .005), and perceived barriers (beta = .19, P less than .05) being the significant predictors. The results suggest that access to designated areas should be facilitated if the aim of the policy is to ensure that smokers smoke only in these areas. If the purpose of the smoking policy, however, is to put additional pressure on smokers in designating only a limited number of smoking areas, then enforcement of the policy is a necessary condition for smoker compliance.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Use of attitude-behaviour models in exercise promotion.

Many studies have adopted a theoretical attitude-behaviour framework for the analysis of exercise behaviour. The most popular models include the Health Belief Model, the Protection Motivation Theory, the Social Cognitive Theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour, and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Aspects other than a preoccupation with health often have a strong influence upon an individual's decision whether or not to engage in exercise. Expectations of self-efficacy, attitudes towards exercising (the affective dimension), perceived barriers to exercise, and past behaviour exert strong influences upon behavioural intention, which in turn influences overt behaviour. In some instances, the variables explaining intention also exert a direct influence upon behaviour in parallel with their influence upon intention. Those promoting exercise behaviour should focus initial attention upon the habit of exercising rather than upon the development of traditional 'endurance fitness'.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed1990

Optimism and health-relevant cognitions after a myocardial infarction.

The relationship between dispositional optimism (LOT) and health-relevant cognitions after a myocardial infarction was examined with 158 patients (mean age = 52.7 +/- 8.1 yr.). Patients above the median on optimism (i.e., optimists) scored significantly lower on perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and experienced fear than did pessimists. However, no difference on perceived self-efficacy was reported between optimists and pessimists. It is concluded that these results provide further evidence for the LOT's construct validity.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1989

Self-reported exercise behavior of employees: a validity study.

The aim of the present study was to assess the validity of different self-reported questions for measuring exercise behavior of 551 employees. Values of maximum oxygen intake, body mass index, muscular endurance, and a fitness profile, based on the individual results obtained from each of the three physiologic parameters, were used as validity criteria for the self-reported measures. The influence of fitness profile on the measures of exercise habits indicated that the fit employees reported a more active pattern of exercise behavior, participated in more strenuous physical activity, and expended a greater amount of energy in a typical week than the unfit employees. There was no gain obtained in explaining fitness categorization with a more elaborate method compared with a simple question in measuring exercise behavior. The results of the present study show that the suggested simple method (one question) for assessing exercise behavior of employees is valid and can be useful for nurses and company physicians when evaluating the baseline behavior of a group of employees to assess the impact of exercise promotion programs at the work site.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

A comparison of the Fishbein and Ajzen and the Triandis attitudinal models for the prediction of exercise intention and behavior.

The main purpose of the study was to compare the efficiency of the Fishbein and Ajzen and the Triandis models to predict (1) the intention to participate regularly in some physical activities during free time within a 3-week period and (2) the exercise behavior within these 3 weeks among a group of 166 subjects, aged 22 to 65 years. Our results show that the Triandis model was as efficient as the Fishbein and Ajzen model in predicting the exercise behavior. However, the results obtained from the Triandis model demonstrate the importance of the habit of exercising in predicting the exercise behavior. Moreover, the Triandis model was superior to the Fishbein and Ajzen model in explaining behavioral intention. Of particular interest was the salience of the affective, social, and personal belief components of the Triandis model. In addition, from a practical perspective, this comparative study showed that (1) to exercise regularly is perceived as hard work, and (2) individuals believe that it is their own responsibility to exercise or not to exercise.

Adult↗