Examining the influence of mental health and structural determinants of health on the stage of motivational readiness for health behaviour changes: A path analysis study

J Health Psychol. 2024 Apr 11:13591053241241015. doi: 10.1177/13591053241241015. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This study explores the influence of mental health and structural determinants of health on motivational readiness for health behaviour change in 1462 Spanish primary healthcare users. Chi-square test and structural equation modelling were performed. Results showed that depression and anxiety were negatively associated with being in the action stages of motivational readiness for a healthy diet and physical activity. This association was statistically significant only for motivational readiness for a healthy diet and depression (β=-0.076;p=0.046). Furthermore, women and workers were more likely to be in the action stages of motivational readiness for a healthy diet while older adults and adults with higher health-related quality of life were more likely to be in the action stages of motivational readiness for physical activity. The present study suggests that structural (being older, being a woman and being employed) and intermediary (suffering from depression and higher health-related quality of life) determinants of health influence motivational readiness for health behaviour changes.

Keywords: mental health; path analysis study; stages of motivational readiness for change; structural determinants of health.