Long-term married couples' health promotion behaviors: Identifying factors that impact decision-making
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-2006
Abstract
Knowledge about health promotion behaviors and their determinants in older individuals is scant. Even less is known about persons in long-term marriages, although a growing interdependence in health decision-making has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of health promotion activities in older adults who were in long-term marriages. Pender's Health Promotion Model and a proposed re-conceptualization of Pender's interpersonal influences were used to guide selection of study variables. Perceived barriers and perceived self-efficacy, two behavior-specific cognitions, and relationship quality and social support, proposed interpersonal influences, were hypothesized to predict participation in health promotion behaviors. A convenience sample of 80 individuals in long-term marriages was recruited. Regression analysis identified four predictor variables as explaining 31% of the participation in health promotion behaviors: relationship quality, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, and social support. Implications for nursing practice and for further research are discussed.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Volume
32
Issue
10
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Padula, Cynthia A., and Mary Sullivan. "Long-term married couples' health promotion behaviors: Identifying factors that impact decision-making." Journal of Gerontological Nursing 32, 10 (2006): 37-47. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20061001-06.
