Self-efficacy and its relationship with social adaptability in elderly individuals covered by health centers in Tabriz in 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: Self-efficacy encourages the older people to adopt effective strategies for adapting to social and environmental changes. Many older people face challenges in adjusting to social conditions. Attention to self-efficacy and social adaptation in later life is particularly important due to the unique characteristics of this life stage. Objectives: This study aims to determine the level of self-efficacy and its relationship with social adaptation among older people covered by health centers in Tabriz. Methods: This descriptive-correlational cross-sectional study involved 420 older people participants from health centers in Tabriz in 2023. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was employed in urban areas of Tabriz. Data collection tools included a personal-social characteristics questionnaire, the Sherer General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), and the Bell Social Adjustment Inventory. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient) were used for data analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Results: The average age of the older people participants in the study was 69.89 years. Of the 420 older people visiting health centers, 52.6% were female, with a majority (76.4%) being married. In terms of education, 46.7% were illiterate, and approximately three-quarters (74.8%) lived with their spouses. The mean and standard deviation for self-efficacy scores were 57.41 ± 10.24 (range 17-85) and for social adaptation were 13.85 ± 6.43 (range 0-32). A significant inverse relationship was found between self-efficacy and social adaptation scores (r = -0.593, P<0.001). Notably, in the Bell Social Adjustment Inventory, higher scores indicate lower levels of social adaptation. Self-efficacy and social adaptation differed significantly based on gender, insurance history, and disease history (P<0.05). According to the results of a multivariate regression analysis, social adaptation was a significant predictor of self-efficacy in the older people (β = -0.509, P<0.001). Conclusion: Given that the levels of self-efficacy and social adaptation in the older people are moderate to high, and social adaptation is a significant predictor of self-efficacy, it is essential for healthcare teams and health policymakers to pay increased attention to self-efficacy and social adaptation in the older people. Additionally, incorporating individual factors related to self-efficacy and social adaptation in support and educational programs for the older people can be beneficial.