Application of Social Cognitive Theory in the Design of Physical Activity Promotion Interventions for Adults in Plateau State

Social Cognitive Theory provides a robust framework for understanding the role of self-efficacy, observational learning, and social reinforcement in health behaviour adoption. This study examined the application of Social Cognitive Theory in designing and evaluating a physical activity promotion intervention for adults in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design was used, with 260 sedentary adults aged 30 to 55 years assigned to experimental and control groups across Jos North, Barkin Ladi, and Shendam local government areas. The experimental group received a structured 10-week health education programme grounded in Social Cognitive Theory principles, incorporating role modelling, self-monitoring, and social support strategies. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Analysis used paired t-tests and independent samples t-tests. Results showed significant improvements in self-efficacy for physical activity (p less than 0.01) and weekly physical activity minutes (p less than 0.05) among experimental group participants. Social support from community exercise groups was the strongest moderator of behaviour change. The study recommends theory-driven health education programme design for physical activity promotion in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: Social Cognitive Theory, physical activity, health education intervention, Plateau State, self-efficacy