Self-efficacy and self-esteem are associated with health-promoting lifestyle in Iranian post-menopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The number of postmenopausal women is expected to grow dramatically in the coming decades in Iran. Adopting a health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) is essential for improving health and quality of life of this population. This study pursues two objectives: (1) to assess the HPL levels among Iranian postmenopausal women and (2) to investigate the socio-demographic and psychological variables including self-efficacy and self-esteem associated with HPL. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study with correlational design, 400 married postmenopausal women in Shiraz (southwestern Iran) were selected via stratified random sampling. The data collection tools were the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a sociodemographic information questionnaire. Pearson's correlation coefficient test, independent samples t-tests, and stepwise multiple linear regression were used for analyzing the data in SPSS v. 22. RESULTS: The average age of natural menopause among participants was 49.33 ± 3.43 years, and they had relatively good HPLP (136.52 ± 21.46). The results highlighted that among all the HPLP subscales, the highest mean score was observed for health responsibility (33.62 ± 6.98), whereas the lowest scores were observed for stress management (12.26 ± 3.13) and physical activity (17.64 ± 6.52). Both self-efficacy (r = 0.445, p < 0.01) and self-esteem (r = 0.425, p < 0.01) demonstrated significant, moderate positive correlations with the total HPL score. Also, there was a significant association between the total HPLP score and two demographic variables: women's education (r = 0.17, p < 0.01) and husband's educational level (r = 0.113, p < 0.05). In addition, the HPLP total score had a significant negative relationship with the number of children (r=-0.114, p < 0.05). The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the variables independently associated with the HPL of participants were self-efficacy (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), self-esteem (β = 0.27, p < 0.001), and occupation (β = 0.144, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that health care professionals implement comprehensive planning to enhance the HPL of postmenopausal women. Interventions aimed at improving HPL in this population should prioritize strategies to enhance self-efficacy and self-esteem. Particular attention should be paid to women with lower education, unemployment, and a higher number of children.
Source: BMC Women s Health
Institutions: Shiraz University, University of Mazandaran
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,890
OpenAlex ID: W4417311533