Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and objectives: Lifestyle is a uniqe pattern of behavioures, habits and charactristics that are exhibited by any people and is used as an indicator of physical health. The current study was conducted to investigate self-efficacy and healthy-promoting lifestyle and associated factors in nurses in Qom.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 237 nurses working in healthcare centers affiliated with the Qom University of Medical Sciences. Data were gathered by two standard questionnaires, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile and Sherer et al. general self-efficacy scale, and analysed by independent t-test, correlation coefficient, and stepwise linear regression model.

Results: The mean age of participants was 32.04 years and 70% of them were female. The mean score of lifestyle and self-efficacy was 59.8±10 and 72.46±9, respectively. The total mean score of lifestyle and some associated domains including responsibility, self-actualization, social protection and nutrition was significantly higher in the nurses who had good self-efficacy (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between social protection and age (p<0.015). The regression model showed that with increase in self-efficacy, healthy lifestyle score increased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: According to this study, the mean score of lifestyle was derived slightly higher than average level in the nurses. Nurses may have high self-efficacy to improve their lifestyle. Nevertheless, heavy responsibility in nursing profession has caused decrease in physical activity.