Relationship between general health of older health service users and their self-esteem in Isfahan in 2014

BACKGROUND: Self-esteem is known to be one of the most important markers of successful aging. Older people's self-esteem is influenced by several factors that particularly may be health related. Therefore, this study aimed to explore some important general health-related predictors of the older people's self-esteem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 200 people, aged 65 years and older, who referred to health care centers were selected through stratified random sampling method. Data were collected by using Rosenberg's self-esteem scale and the 28-item Goldberg's general health questionnaire. Data were analyzed by Pearson's coefficient tests and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Findings showed that the entered predictor variables accounted for 49% of the total variance (R(2)) of self-esteem in the model (P < 0.001, F(4,195) = 46.717). Three out of the four predictor variables including somatic signs, anxiety/insomnia, and depression, significantly predicted the self-esteem. The results emphasized on the determinant role of both physical (somatic signs) and mental (anxiety/insomnia and depression) aspects of health in older patients’ self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: The significant general health-related predictors found in the present study emphasize on some of the significant points that should be considered in planning for improving older patients’ self-esteem.