Exploring the Predictors of Physical Activity in Older Adults in South Korea Using the Health Belief Model

This study aimed to examine the associations of Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs with physical activity (PA) participation intention and self-reported PA participation among older adults in South Korea. Specifically, we examined whether perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy were associated with PA participation intention and PA participation, and whether intention accounted for indirect associations between HBM constructs and PA within the hypothesized model. A total of 408 older adults (Mage = 68.84, SD = 4.11) participated in the online survey. This study employed Structural Equation Modeling to examine the interrelationships among the proposed variables. The findings indicated a significant negative association between perceived barriers and PA participation intention and a significant positive association between self-efficacy and PA participation intention. Furthermore, intention was positively associated with PA and accounted for indirect associations linking perceived barriers and self-efficacy with PA. Overall, these findings suggest that perceived barriers and self-efficacy are salient belief domains linked to PA intention and behavior. Practical implications include further interventions to reduce perceived barriers and enhance self-efficacy to promote sustained PA engagement among older adults.