Factors influencing self-care in young adults in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective(s): Self-care is considered the most important issue for preserving and maintaining health. The present study aimed to investigate the components of the health belief model and peer pressure on self-care behaviors in adolescents. Method: This was a descriptive study. The samples were selected through multistage cluster sampling among adolescents from three regions of Tehran. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. Results: A total of 384 individuals participated in the study [217 male (56.5%), and 167 female (43.5%)]. The mean age of the respondents was 26.03 years (SD = 5.03), and the mean self-care score was 0.46 (SD = 0.49). The results of the logistic regression analysis investigating the factors influencing youth self-care showed that with a one-point increase in perceived barriers, self-care decreased by 95% (OR=0.04, 95% Cl: 0.01-0.14, p<0.001); with one-point increase in peer pressure, self-care decreased by 0.69 (OR=0.3, 95% Cl: 0.12-0.75, p=0.010). Self-care in single individuals was 2.80 times higher than married individuals (OR=2.80, 95% Cl: 1.94 - 6.57, P= 0.018), and in students, it was 2.75 times higher than employed individuals (OR=2.75, 95% Cl: 1.10 - 6.88, P= 0.030). There was no significant relationship between self-care and other independent variables such as age, gender, educational status, perceived benefits, and perceived threat. Conclusion: The study results indicated that the beliefs of young individuals about health behaviors influence their self-care practices. Individuals who perceive more barriers tend to engage in less self-care. It appears that appropriate educational interventions can enhance the self-care practices of young individuals.

Keywords

• self-care
• constructs of health belief model
• peer pressure