The effect of self-care self-efficacy program on life satisfaction of the Iranian elderly

BACKGROUND: With the increase in the elderly population in the world and the consequent increase in diseases and their physical and mental problems, improving self-care behaviors by increasing self-efficacy in the elderly plays an important role in promoting their health and can increase their life satisfaction. This study aimed to investigate the effect of self-care self-efficacy program on life satisfaction of the elderly referred to selected health centers in Isfahan, Iran, in 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a quasi-experimental study with two experimental and control groups and was performed on 64 elderly people referred to selected health centers in Isfahan. The samples were randomly divided into experimental and control groups, and a self-care self-efficacy program was performed on the experimental group. Data collection tools included demographic information questionnaire and life satisfaction indexes A questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical tests such as Chi-square, independent t-test, Mann–Whitney, repeated measures analysis of variance, and Least Significant Difference (LSD) post hoc test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics. Before the intervention, the mean score of life satisfaction was not statistically significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.88). However, immediately and 1 month after the intervention, the mean score of life satisfaction in the experimental group increased, and this score was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the self-care self-efficacy program has been effective in increasing the life satisfaction of the elderly. Therefore, using this self-care self-efficacy program is recommended to promote life satisfaction in the elderly.