Can social support predict health-promoting behaviors among community-dwelling older adults?

Introduction: Because health-promoting behavior is one of the major determinants of health, this study was conducted to determine whether social support predicts health-promoting behaviors in elderly people living in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 180 elderly p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Leila Khami, Seyedeh Ameneh Motalebi, Fatemeh Mohammadi, Maryam Momeni, Akram Shahrokhi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
Series:Social Health and Behavior
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.shbonweb.com/article.asp?issn=2589-9767;year=2020;volume=3;issue=1;spage=22;epage=26;aulast=Khami
Description
Summary:Introduction: Because health-promoting behavior is one of the major determinants of health, this study was conducted to determine whether social support predicts health-promoting behaviors in elderly people living in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 180 elderly people referring to the health complexes in Tabriz, Iran, were selected using a random cluster sampling method. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple linear regression models. Results: The mean age of 180 elderly people who participated in the study was 66.9 ± 5.74 years. The results of multiple regression indicated that education (B = 8.98, P < 0.001) and perceived social support (B = 0.45, P < 0.014) explained ~29% of changes in health-promoting behaviors among the elderly. Conclusion: Given the predictive role of perceived social support in health-promoting behaviors, establishing or strengthening supportive social networks seems to be one of the effective factors in promoting the elderly's health.
ISSN:2589-9767
2589-9767