Clinical Characteristics and Physical Self-Efficacy for Aging in Community Place

Abstract

Physical self-efficacy refers to individuals' confidence in their ability to successfully perform a particular task and their positive feelings about their physical capabilities. The greater their physical self-efficacy, the greater their capability and performance on physical tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of clinical characteristics such as surgical history, medical history, current disease, medication, and fall experience on physical self-efficacy in community-dwelling elderly individuals. A total of 199 community-dwelling elderly individuals (111 of which were women) participated in this study. The participants received a self-report questionnaire. The scope of the questions included general characteristics, clinical characteristics (surgical history, medical diagnosis, present disease, medication, and falling experience within a 12- month period) and physical self-efficacy. All surveys were conducted using an online questionnaire prepared in advance and in accordance with the quarantine guidelines. Analysis of the corrected data revealed that the physical self-efficacy of those currently taking medications was significantly higher than that of those who did not. The physical self-efficacy of those who had experienced a fall within the previous 12 months was significantly higher than that of those who had no experience of falling. Based on the results of this study, health-promoting behaviors that enable elderly individuals living in the community to lead an independent daily life increases their physical self-efficacy and are a useful method for healthy aging.