Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Perceived self-efficacy and social support are psychosocial constructs that are important in health of population, especially in the elderly, and affect the quality of life and lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of social-psychological constructs on lifestyle in the elderly in Yazd city.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 older adults over 60 years of age in 2015. A cluster sampling was performed. Data collection tools included General Self-Efficacy Scale, Zimet social support scale, and Iranian elderly lifestyle questionnaires. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Pearson correlation coefficient. The level of significance was considered to be 0.05.

Results: The mean scores of lifestyle, social support, and self-efficacy were 161.9±13.9 (range, 42-211), 46.3±8.7 (range, 12-60) and 29.3±7.7 (range, 10-40), respectively. There was a linear correlation between lifestyle and social support (p<0.001, 0.594) and self-efficacy (p<0.001, 0.592). Also, social support constructs (p<0.001, β=0.424) and self-efficacy (p<0.001, β=0.420) could predict 50% of changes of lifestyle.

Conclusion: Given that social support and perceived self-efficacy constructs can predict changes of lifestyle, therefore appropriate interventions on these psychosocial constructs can improve the lifestyle in the elderly.