Understanding the distribution of Mãori across stages of health behaviour change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance) may inform the development of public health programs. In a replication and extension of a study by Nigg et al. (1999) we described the distribution of 73 Mãori male questionnaire respondents (age 18 to 59 years) across these stages for 8 healthy behaviours (avoiding dietary fat, eating fibre, reducing weight, regularly exercising, reducing stress, reducing sun exposure, using sunblock, and conducting cancer self-examinations). Respondents were also asked to rate their general health, health worries, and health locus of control. Evidence found of a continuum of change for ‘ignoring’, to ‘thinking about1 to ‘performing’ healthy behaviour provides moderate support for the idea that behaviour change is not an all-or-nothing event. There were no significant age effects. Respondents who rated their health more positively were more likely to report using sunblock, exercising regularly, and eating a high fibre diet. Respondents who felt they had more control over their health were more likely to eat a diet high in fibre. Eating a high fibre diet, exercising and managing stress were most strongly associated with the other health behaviours which may illustrate the concept of gateway behaviours proposed by Nigg et al. (1999).
Effect of dietary cholesterol on plasma cholesterol concentration in subjects following reduced fat, high fibre diet.
