Effects of Social Support and Self-Efficacy on the Quality of Life of Elderly People

Effects of Social Support and Self-Efficacy on the Quality of Life of Elderly People

Objective: This study investigated how social support and self-efficacy affect the quality of life of elderly people with chronic diseases. Design: The study consisted of descriptive survey research. Methods: A questionnaire covering social support, self-efficacy, and quality of life was distributed to 320 elderly people with chronic diseases. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between the respondents’ social support (family support, friend support, medical support), self-efficacy (confidence, self-regulation efficacy, preference for task difficulty), and quality of life. Multiple regression analysis was also performed to identify the factors affecting the respondents’ quality of life. Results: “Friend support” and “quality of life” (r＝－636, p<0.001), had a negative correlation, “confidence” and “quality of life” (r＝0.827, p<0.001), “self-regulating efficacy” and “quality of life” (r＝0.736, p<0.001), and “preference for task difficulty” and “quality of life” (r＝0.295, p<0.001)—had positive correlations. Friend support (β＝－0.164, p<0.001), confidence (β＝0.592, p<0.001), and self-regulation efficacy (β＝0.160, p<0.001) were found to affect quality of life. The independent variables showed the following degrees of influence, in order: confidence, friend support, and self-regulation efficacy. Their explanatory power was 73.3% (F＝146.844, p<0.001). Conclusions: The quality of life of elderly people with chronic diseases can be improved by formulating health-promotion programs that foster a sense of community.